Creative Thinking with Mr KellySCQF levels 5 & 6 · Daydream Believers
Level 5Level 6
Thinking tools · Level 6

Idea generation techniques

10 cards · 5 quiz · 0 exam

Creative Thinking · Level 6 · 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

TechniqueHow it works
Mind mapThe problem in the middle, ideas branching out; branches spark more branches
BrainstormAs many ideas as possible in a set time, with no judging; build on others' ideas
Crazy 8sFold a sheet into 8 boxes and sketch 8 different ideas in 8 minutes
Random word / objectPick a random word or object and force a link to the problem
Worst possible ideaCome 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 chartList 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.

Six thinking hats L6

Look at an idea in six ways: white (facts), red (feelings), black (risks), yellow (benefits), green (new ideas), blue (managing the thinking). Useful for evaluating and improving concepts as a group.

Key terms

Crazy 8sEight different ideas sketched in eight minutes
SCAMPERSubstitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse
Worst possible ideaGenerate terrible ideas, then flip them into good ones
Reverse brainstormHow could we make it worse? Then reverse the answers
Random word techniqueForce a link between a random word and the problem
Morphological chartCombine one option for each feature to make new ideas
Lateral thinkingApproaching a problem from unexpected angles
BiomimicrySolving problems by copying ideas from nature
Black hatThinking about the risks and problems of an idea
Green hatThinking of new ideas and alternatives

Quick check

1. In SCAMPER, what does the E stand for?

  1. Evaluate
  2. Eliminate
  3. Explore
  4. Expand
Show answer
B: Eliminate. Eliminate: what could be removed?

2. Which technique asks you to sketch eight ideas in eight minutes?

  1. Mind map
  2. SCAMPER
  3. Crazy 8s
  4. 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…

  1. Reverse brainstorming
  2. Converging
  3. A survey
  4. Biomimicry
Show answer
D: Biomimicry. Copying nature is biomimicry.

4. What is the first rule of brainstorming?

  1. No judging
  2. Only good ideas
  3. Work alone
  4. Pick one quickly
Show answer
A: No judging. Judging stops ideas flowing.

5. Which thinking hat looks at the risks?

  1. White
  2. Black
  3. Yellow
  4. Green
Show answer
B: Black. Black hat is caution.

Printable worksheet

An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.

Worksheet (PDF)Answers (PDF)

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