Thinking tools · Level 5
Idea generation techniques
8 cards · 4 quiz · 0 exam
Creative Thinking · Level 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about idea generation techniques, specifically to be able to:
- use mind maps, brainstorming and Crazy 8s
- use SCAMPER, random words and worst possible idea
- think laterally and borrow ideas from nature or other industries
Success criteria WILF
- I can use mind maps, brainstorming and Crazy 8s
- I can use SCAMPER, random words and worst possible idea
- I can think laterally and borrow ideas from nature or other industries
Getting lots of ideas
| Technique | How it works |
|---|---|
| Mind map | The problem in the middle, ideas branching out; branches spark more branches |
| Brainstorm | As many ideas as possible in a set time, with no judging; build on others' ideas |
| Crazy 8s | Fold a sheet into 8 boxes and sketch 8 different ideas in 8 minutes |
| Random word / object | Pick a random word or object and force a link to the problem |
| Worst possible idea | Come up with terrible ideas, then flip them: what's the opposite? |
| Reverse brainstorm | "How could we make the problem worse?", then reverse each answer |
| Morphological chart | List features in rows and options in columns, then combine one from each row |
SCAMPER
Take an existing product or idea and ask:
- Substitute: what could be swapped (material, user, place)?
- Combine: what could be joined together?
- Adapt: what could be borrowed from somewhere else?
- Modify (magnify/minimise): what could be bigger, smaller, changed?
- Put to another use: could it be used differently?
- Eliminate: what could be removed?
- Reverse/rearrange: what if you did it backwards or in a different order?
Lateral thinking
Lateral thinking means approaching a problem from unexpected angles instead of the obvious step-by-step route. Ask "What if…?", look at how other industries or nature solve similar problems (biomimicry), and question the rules everyone assumes.
Key terms
| Crazy 8s | Eight different ideas sketched in eight minutes |
|---|---|
| SCAMPER | Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse |
| Worst possible idea | Generate terrible ideas, then flip them into good ones |
| Reverse brainstorm | How could we make it worse? Then reverse the answers |
| Random word technique | Force a link between a random word and the problem |
| Morphological chart | Combine one option for each feature to make new ideas |
| Lateral thinking | Approaching a problem from unexpected angles |
| Biomimicry | Solving problems by copying ideas from nature |
Quick check
1. In SCAMPER, what does the E stand for?
- Evaluate
- Eliminate
- Explore
- Expand
Show answer
B: Eliminate. Eliminate: what could be removed?
2. Which technique asks you to sketch eight ideas in eight minutes?
- Mind map
- SCAMPER
- Crazy 8s
- Six hats
Show answer
C: Crazy 8s. Crazy 8s forces fast, varied ideas.
3. Velcro was inspired by burrs sticking to a dog. This is an example of…
- Reverse brainstorming
- Converging
- A survey
- Biomimicry
Show answer
D: Biomimicry. Copying nature is biomimicry.
4. What is the first rule of brainstorming?
- No judging
- Only good ideas
- Work alone
- Pick one quickly
Show answer
A: No judging. Judging stops ideas flowing.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.