How can you use the Lotus Blossom technique to structure a CPS session?

Consider your problem statement as the North Star guiding your innovation journey. It's not just about stating the challenge; it's about framing it in a way that sparks curiosity and opens doors to unexpected solutions. Think of your problem statement as a puzzle waiting to be solved, and the Lotus Blossom technique is your map to uncovering the hidden treasures of creativity. So, before you dive in, craft a problem statement that not only defines the challenge but ignites the imagination, setting the stage for a truly innovative exploration.

what i think is:The first step in using the Lotus Blossom technique is to identify the core problem. This involves clearly defining the specific challenge or issue that needs to be addressed. To initiate the process, write down this central problem in the center of a sheet of paper. This serves as the focal point for further exploration and idea generation in the subsequent steps of the technique. The clarity of the core problem statement is crucial as it guides the entire creative problem-solving session.

Considering the perspective mentioned, it's crucial to involve a diverse group of participants in the Lotus Blossom Technique session. Including individuals with varied expertise and perspectives ensures a well-rounded exploration of the defined problem. This diversity enhances the richness of ideas generated during the session, drawing from different viewpoints and experiences to contribute to a more holistic problem-solving approach.

Start with a central problem or idea in the center of a diagram and branch out to related aspects or subproblems. Encourage participants to explore each branch, creating a detailed map of ideas. Itemize and refine as you go, fostering collaboration and generating diverse perspectives for a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Creating the first layer of petals opens up possibilities. The "what if" and "what else" prompts are like magic keys, unlocking hidden insights. For instance, when we delved into "What are their needs and expectations?" regarding customer satisfaction, we uncovered surprising insights that reshaped our approach.

First, Identify the problem and use the Lotus Blossom Technique to encourage your team to think creatively and explore all possible avenues. This exercise provides a structured approach to generate and organize ideas, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the problem, while facilitating the development of all possible solutions.

according to me: "Create the first layer of petals" involves drawing a 3x3 grid around the central problem. This grid represents the first layer of petals, and each box contains a space for sub-problems or themes related to the central issue. This initial layer serves as the foundation for branching out and exploring different aspects of the problem in a structured manner. Each of these sub-problems will be further expanded upon in subsequent layers of the Lotus Blossom diagram, allowing for a more detailed and organized exploration of potential solutions and ideas.

Incorporate a preliminary assessment of potential resources and constraints associated with each subtopic. By considering factors such as available resources, time constraints, and feasibility during the initial brainstorming phase, you set the stage for a more realistic and actionable exploration of the identified subtopics. This pragmatic approach ensures that the generated ideas not only align with the core question but also take into account the practical considerations essential for effective problem-solving and implementation.

according to me:"Expand each petal into a new diagram" in the context of the Lotus Blossom technique involves taking the sub-problems or themes identified in the initial 3x3 grid and creating a new diagram or grid around each of them. This expansion allows for a deeper exploration of each sub-problem, providing dedicated space to generate ideas and solutions related to that specific aspect. It encourages a more focused and detailed examination of the various components connected to the central problem, fostering a comprehensive understanding and a richer pool of creative possibilities.

We can Create eight surrounding petals for each "Why?" question with 2 petals each that includes : Root Cause: Why does this problem exist? Context: What factors influence the problem? Symptoms & Impact: What are the consequences and observable signs? Stakeholders: Who is affected and how? Apply this brainstorming technique within each petal to generate diverse solutions.

according to me:"Evaluate and Prioritize" involves reviewing the ideas generated in each sub-grid of the Lotus Blossom technique. After brainstorming solutions for various aspects of the problem, it's important to assess the feasibility, potential impact, and practicality of each idea. This evaluation helps in identifying the most promising and viable solutions. Prioritization is key to focusing efforts on the ideas that are most likely to contribute significantly to solving the core problem. This step ensures that the chosen solutions align with the goals and constraints of the problem at hand.

according to me:"Develop and test solutions" means taking the good ideas you came up with and turning them into real plans. You make detailed plans, try them out in small tests, and see if they actually work. If something needs fixing or changing, you do that to make sure your solution is practical and will solve the problem. It's like turning your cool thoughts into action and making sure they're going to succeed!