Techniques for Creative Thinking

Collectively, there are several hundred techniques published in books by Michael Michalko, Andy Van Gundy, James Higgins, Dilip Mukerjea and others. Techniques are like tools in a workshop, with different tools for different parts of the creative process. For example, there are techniques for defining a problem, exploring attributes of a problem, generating alternatives, visual explorations, metaphors, analogies, and evaluating and implementing ideas. Here is a small selection of techniques:

• Random Input
• Problem Reversal
• Ask Questions
• Applied Imagination - Question Summary
• Lateral Thinking
• Six Thinking Hats
• The Discontinuity Principle
• Checklists
• Brainstorming
• Forced Relationships/Analogy
• Attribute Listing
• Morphological Analysis
• Imitation
• Mindmapping
• Storyboarding
• Synectics
• Metaphorical thinking
• Lotus Blossum Technique
• In the realm of the senses
• Use of drawing (from Robert McKim's Experiences in Visual Thinking
• IdeaToons (by Michael Michalko)
• NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Techniques
• Assumption Smashing
• DO IT! method of Roger Olsen
• LARC Method
• Unconscious Problem Solving
• Simplex - a "complete" process with three stages (finding problems,solving problems, implementing solutions) and eight discrete steps represented as a wheel to reflect the circular, perennial nature of problem solving. The full name is the Basadur Simplex process. Its eight steps include: problem finding, fact finding, problem defining, idea finding, evaluating and selecting, action planning, gaining acceptance, and taking action. The t
• The TRIZ method of Semyon D. Savransky
• Fuzzy Thinking
• Some further examples of creativity techniques and guidelines linked with historical examples.
• Breakthrough Thinking - The seven steps of uniqueness, purpose, solution after next, systems, needed information collection, people design, and betterment timeline.

For further background, read the introduction which discusses the question: "What can I do to increase my creativity?"

Catalogues or Encyclopaedias of Techniques?

You may be wondering if there are books or an encyclopaedia of these techniques to use as a reference. I am compiling a catalogue of techniques from several books into a master list, or meta index. I call it the Creativity Technique MegaList (or Creativity Cookbook) and is still a work in progress.

Andy Beckett in the United Kingdom is compiling a collection of techniques on his web site www.mycoted.com

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