Creative problem solving (CPS) is a skill that can help you generate and implement innovative solutions for various challenges. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to CPS. Different frameworks have different strengths, weaknesses, and applications. How can you compare and choose the best framework for your situation? Here are some steps to guide you.
The first step is to clarify what you want to achieve with CPS. Do you want to solve a specific problem, explore new opportunities, or create something novel? Depending on your goal, you may need a different framework that suits your purpose. For example, if you want to solve a complex problem, you may prefer a framework that helps you analyze the root causes, generate multiple alternatives, and evaluate the outcomes. If you want to explore new opportunities, you may prefer a framework that helps you identify trends, gaps, and customer needs. If you want to create something novel, you may prefer a framework that helps you brainstorm, prototype, and test your ideas.
ALIGNING CPS TO STRATEGY IS ESSENTIAL TO WIN BUY-IN from top management, I learned as facilitator of 100+ innovation projects.. The BEST PRACTICE in the proven FORTH INNOVATION METHOD, is to draft with top management before the start a so-called: INNOVATION ASSIGNMENT. How? When you answer together with all the stakeholders the following questions you get a clear picture of what innovation has got to deliver: 1. Why do we need to innovate? 2. What are we looking for? 3. Who is the target group? 4. When do we want to launch it? 5. Where: in which countries? Or regions? 6. Which (financial) criteria the new offering has to meet? In this way everyone has clear expectations of the deliverables of the innovation expedition.
Frameworks are just sets of tools, methods, mind-models... etc., in short composite elements of the whole problem solving picture. There is not a "better/worse" framework as those are just a sum of their elements or even a large set of tools & techniques such as TRIZ. Hence do not fall into the functional fixedness trap - use whatever part of whatever set of tools & techniques is available to you, experience TRIZ, SIT, USIT, maybe ProHEAL, maybe others. Avoid simple brainstorming as it's only a waste of time.
The next step is to research the existing frameworks that are relevant to your goal. You can find many sources of information online, such as books, articles, podcasts, videos, and courses. You can also consult experts, mentors, or peers who have experience with CPS. Some of the common frameworks that you may encounter are: design thinking, lean startup, agile, TRIZ, SCAMPER, and Osborn-Parnes. Each framework has its own history, principles, methods, and tools. You should try to understand the main features and benefits of each framework, as well as the context and conditions in which they were developed and applied.
There are sets of tools and techniques that are analytical & methodological and those that are not. If you need to solve technical contradictions or create inventions then invest your time into learning TRIZ & USIT. If you need to do a simpler problem solving session that does not require in-depth analytical thinking like marketing - then TRIZ & USIT may be too much, consider SIT then. Scamper, Osborn, etc. - I have not found them very useful, as imo those are modifications of brainstorming hence not very helpful when tackling problems. Analytical & methodological: TRIZ USIT
The third step is to compare and contrast the frameworks that you have researched. You can use various criteria to evaluate and rank the frameworks, such as: suitability, feasibility, effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility. You can also use a matrix or a table to organize and visualize your comparison. For example, you can list the frameworks in rows and the criteria in columns, and assign scores or ratings to each cell. You can also add comments or notes to explain your reasoning. This way, you can see the similarities and differences between the frameworks, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
There is no need to compare & contrast frameworks as those are sets of tools & techniques, not separate entities that you cannot modify. Use whatever works for you, experiment.
The fourth step is to select the best framework for your situation. You can use your comparison matrix or table to help you make your decision. You should consider your goal, your resources, your constraints, and your preferences. You should also be aware of the trade-offs and limitations of each framework. For example, some frameworks may be more creative but less structured, while others may be more structured but less creative. Some frameworks may be more suitable for certain types of problems or domains, while others may be more general or adaptable. You should choose the framework that best matches your needs and expectations.
The fifth step is to adapt the framework to your specific challenge. You should not follow the framework blindly or rigidly, but rather use it as a guide or a reference. You should customize the framework to fit your context, your audience, and your goals. You should also be flexible and willing to modify the framework as you go along, based on your feedback and learning. For example, you can add, remove, or change the steps, methods, or tools of the framework, depending on what works best for you. You can also combine elements from different frameworks, if they complement each other.
The final step is to apply the framework to your challenge. You should follow the steps, methods, and tools of the framework, as you have adapted them, to generate and implement your solution. You should also monitor and evaluate your progress and results, and make adjustments as needed. You should also document and share your process and outcomes, and reflect on your experience and learning. By applying the framework, you can enhance your creative problem solving skills and achieve your desired outcomes.