What are the most effective tools for mapping out creative problem solutions?

2 SCAMPER Technique

The SCAMPER technique is a thought-provoking tool that encourages you to ask questions about existing products, services, or processes to generate new ideas. The acronym stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. By systematically going through these prompts, you can dissect a problem and explore it from different angles, often leading to innovative solutions that might not have been apparent through traditional thought processes.

3 Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats method, developed by Edward de Bono, is a parallel thinking process that aids in exploring different perspectives towards a complex problem. Each 'hat' is a metaphor for a certain type of thinking, ranging from facts (white hat) and emotions (red hat) to negative judgment (black hat) and positive judgment (green hat). By switching 'hats', you can ensure that your brainstorming session or problem-solving process is balanced and comprehensive, covering all aspects of the problem.

4 Five Whys

The Five Whys technique is a simple yet effective tool for getting to the root cause of a problem. By asking 'Why?' five times, or as many times as needed, you delve deeper into the issue at hand, peeling away the layers of symptoms to uncover the underlying cause. This method is particularly useful when you're stuck on a problem that seems to have no apparent solution, as it forces you to look beyond the obvious and question the foundational aspects of the problem.

5 Analogical Thinking

Analogical thinking involves drawing comparisons between two unrelated fields or systems to generate creative solutions. By looking at how problems are solved in different domains, you can import these solutions into your own context. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to breakthroughs that are not possible through linear thinking. It requires an open mind and the ability to see beyond the surface level, but it can be incredibly rewarding in terms of innovative outcomes.

6 Design Thinking

Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process that teams use to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions to prototype and test. It involves five phases—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—which help in tackling problems that are ill-defined or unknown. This user-centric approach encourages you to look at problems through the lens of your end users, leading to more human-centered solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?