How can you use the Lotus Blossom method to refine and expand your ideas?

2 How does the Lotus Blossom method work?

The Lotus Blossom method works by stimulating divergent thinking and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking is the ability to generate many different ideas from a single topic or problem. Convergent thinking is the ability to narrow down and select the most relevant or promising ideas from a large pool of options. By using the Lotus Blossom method, you can achieve both types of thinking in a structured and systematic way. You can also avoid getting stuck in one perspective or direction, and instead explore multiple angles and possibilities.

3 How can you apply the Lotus Blossom method to your projects?

The Lotus Blossom method can be applied to your projects by following a few steps. First, you need to define a broad and open-ended theme or question, such as "How can we improve our online learning platform?" or "What are the potential applications of blockchain technology?". Next, create a lotus diagram with the central theme or question in the middle, and eight related sub-themes or sub-questions around it. For each circle in the first lotus diagram, create a new lotus diagram with the same format and write the sub-theme or sub-question in the center. Generate eight additional sub-themes or sub-questions around it, further refined from the previous level. After creating your matrix of 64 ideas, review them and select those that are most relevant, interesting, or feasible for your project. You can also combine or modify some ideas to create new ones. Finally, use criteria such as novelty, usefulness, feasibility, or alignment with your goals to evaluate your ideas.

4 What are the benefits of the Lotus Blossom method?

The Lotus Blossom method can offer you several advantages, such as the ability to generate a large number of ideas quickly, explore different aspects of your topic or problem, avoid cognitive biases and assumptions that may hinder your creativity, organize and visualize your ideas in a clear fashion, and communicate and collaborate with others on your ideas. This method can be a powerful tool in helping you to come up with creative solutions.

6 How can you improve your Lotus Blossom method skills?

The Lotus Blossom method is a skill that you can improve with practice and feedback. To master this technique, begin with a clear and relevant theme or question that sparks your curiosity and motivation. Brainstorm, research, or use other sources of inspiration to generate your sub-themes or sub-questions. Be flexible and open-minded when creating your lotus diagrams and don't censor or judge your ideas. Utilize different colors, shapes, or symbols to distinguish and categorize your ideas. Ask for feedback from those who have different perspectives or expertise on your topic or problem. Additionally, experiment with various variations or combinations of the Lotus Blossom method, such as using fewer or more circles, changing the order or direction of the circles, or adding other elements or dimensions to the diagrams.