Category: Creative Thinking Tools

  • Capturing and evaluation of creative sessions

    Facilitation of the creative process runs in two very distinct streams. One experienced by the Facilitation/Management team and the other experience is that of the creative participants. It is important that the creative participant stream is completely insulated from the bumps and glitches within the Facilitator/Management stream and that they experience a cleanly run machine…

  • Association Methods

    Are group-based activities, which can be used to a lesser extent by the individual. They have no boundaries and rely on spontaneous reaction and Quantity of ideas. As the name suggests they deal with ideas associated with the problem (Near and Far association) Creativity within Association methods,as mentioned above relies on a process which must…

  • Brainstorming

    (30mins is usually enough for each session) Brainstorming is the general collective term for the processes of creative thinking for associations. It can have its place anywhere in the creative process but is most effective in the initial phases. It is a process that is effective as an Individual or as a group There are 4 Rules…

  • The 3 component model for Creativity

    Domain relevant skills: Knowledge and facts with technical and subject relevant skill bas i.e. understanding design and the specific problem brief Creativity-relevant skills: The experience of creativity process and application of a proper work style i.e. Practice and talent Task Motivation The difference between what you can do and what you will do Classification of Methods:…

  • Analytic-Systematic methods

    Are based on analysis and systematic description of a problem. The collation of inventory solutions, variants to sub-problems and the analysis of combining these ideas to achieve the best solution. This method is regarded as a systematic method, because its nature is to step by step solve problems before grouping them together again to create…

  • Function analysis

    This type of analysis helps to determine the skeleton of the product or system in question. It does not deal with the form elements such as aesthetics, dimensions or materials. Its place is particularly relevant with a product that is radical and new in its invention. The designer must distance themselves from the problem The…

  • Morphology

    This method was created by Fritz Zwicky. This method comprises of many variations, but in design only the Morphological chart is used. This is a chart of many dimensions which results in a solutions matrix. This method relies on four steps The problem or brief must be formulated as concise as possible Identify all parameters which…

  • Decision Areas

    This is a list of the main factors that will have an important influence or impact on the development of the design. For Products these may include the following Its function or functions The packaging of components The operation Principles The form (of individual parts) The Materials used (for individual parts) The Manufacturing Techniques Ergonomic…

  • Analysis of interconnected decision areas (AIDA)

    When analysing a problem a number of different decisions may have to be taken. These decisions are interconnected to each other and will have influence over their feasibility. This method, which is similar to Morphology, can be used at any stage of the design process. Its aim is to quickly eliminate unlikely solutions and propose…

  • Attribute listing

    Attribute Listing could work well with the SCAMPER method, where destruction methods are used to brainstorm. It needs an ideas generation method to compliment it. It comprises of the breaking down of a problem into smaller and smaller pieces and then seeing what is discovered as this is done. It is related to Morphology. It…

  • Matrix Chart

    A Matrix Chart can be created to help decision making and also to clarify concepts after a brainstorming session. It is very similar to a Morphological chart, however more casual in its structure. It can also be used as a starting point for creating ideas. Several Matrices may be used together to create a plan…

  • Chart Options

    When creating a chart of options a form of brainstorming will occur for each decision area maximising the options These options are at this stage independent to each other To create solutions