Based on the work of Dr. Edward de Bono
The PMI method gives
deliberate attention to
exploring, first, the positives or
plus factors in the new idea.
The second operation
when using the PMI is
to look for negatives or
minus factors.
The third operation is to look
for the interesting
possibilities in the new idea.
Without exploring an idea for
possibilities or alternatives, a new idea
has only a 50/50 chance of survival.
Those considering it either like it or
dislike it. When the interesting
possibilities are explored, whatever our
initial impressions, we broaden our
view of the idea by adding to the plus
factors already identified or finding
alternatives that give the idea more
chance of 'survival'.
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
Fill in the chart from left to right
with items in each column.
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
Give each item a + or – amount
from one to five (i.e. +3 or -2)
PLUS
MINUS
INTERESTING
Add up the amounts in each
column and see if the idea’s score
is overall negative or positive.
IDEA ONE: By law all cars should be painted bright yellow.
IDEA TWO: People should wear badges showing whether they are
in a good mood or a bad mood that day.
IDEA THREE: Every adult should spend one week a year in the
police force.
IDEA FOUR: People should be allowed to work 10 hours a day for 4
days and have the rest of the week free, instead of
working 8 hours a day for 5 days.
Real World Example:
A young professional is deciding where to live.
Her question is 'Should she move to the big city?'
She draws up the PMI table below:
Plus
Minus
Interesting
More going on (+5)
Have to sell house (-6)
Easier to find new job? (+1)
Easier to see friends (+5)
More pollution (-3)
Meet more people? (+2)
Easier to get places (+3)
Less space (-3)
More difficult to get own work
done? (-4)
No countryside (-2)
More difficult to get to work? (-4)
+13
-18
-1