Creative thinking
What is creativity?
You frequently encounter a problem that staples used in attaching
fly-screens do not penetrate the timber frame well. Suggest two or
three creative alternative approaches, bearing in mind what the
ultimate objective is.
We need to move beyond engineering
solutions.
1. Use glue instead of staples.
2. Use insect repellent to kill flies.
3. Replace screens with glass and an air conditioner.
4. Use a softer frame.
5. Kill flies with UV lights.
6. Clamp the screens into the frame.
7. Eliminate the window and use a camera and a
monitor to view the outside.
8. Lure insects away from the window with food or
pheromones.
From CE 203, Fall 2005, exam 1
Constraints
Techniques
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•
•
•
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Brainstorming
Concept fan
Lateral thinking
Parallel thinking/six hats
Et cetera
}
Edward de Bono
Brainstorming
Goal:
Cardinal rule:
Tips:
1. Have fun.
2. Think radically.
3. Violate the constraints.
4. Work quickly.
5. Do not dwell on any idea.
6. Work off of ideas of others.
7. Stay focused on the problem.
8. Write down the ideas.
9. Use a random noun to “seed” when stuck.
Exercise
Concept fan
1.
2.
3.
4.
Place the problem in a circle.
Fan out with possible solutions.
If needed, step back for a broader view.
Generate solutions to the broader
problem.
5. Repeat steps 3-5.
Example
Impose
large fines
Imprison
polluters
Make
polluting
unprofitable
Reduce
pollution
from ships
Monitor
Improve WQ
Ban solid discharge
Improve sewage
treatment
Extend outfalls
Control
pollution
entering sea
Clean water
at local beach
Inspire public
outrage
Filter sea water
Patrol beach litter
Contain trash
dumped at sea
From mindtools.com
Allow free
dumping at ports
Control ag &
industrial
pollution
Eliminate it
Reduce return
to beaches
Monitor river WQ
Lateral thinking
“Approaching problems indirectly at diverse angles
instead of concentrating on one approach at length”
Problem: Muhammad won't come to the mountain.
1. The mountain must come to Muhammad (the classic
answer).
2. Use a video conference.
3. Use an intermediary.
4. Ask him what he wants to come to the mountain
5. See if he'll accept a free timeshare slot in a holiday
home, which just happens to be on the mountain.
6. Wait until he changes his mind.
7. Cut your losses and tackle a different problem.
From wikipedia.org
Exercise
From wikipedia.org
Lateral thinking puzzles
1. A carrot, a pile of pebbles, and a pipe lying together in the
middle of a field.
2. Joe, wearing a mask and carrying an empty sack, leaves
his house. An hour later he returns with a full sack. He
goes into a room and turns out the lights
3. A man walks into a bar and asks for a drink. The bartender
pulls out a gun and points it at him. The man says, "Thank
you," and walks out
4. Mr. Browning is glad the car ran out of gas.
5. A man ate some food that was not poisoned, yet
nevertheless caused him to die.
6. A man leaves a motel room, goes to his car, honks the
horn, and returns.
From rinkworks.com