Creative Thinking Tools, Techniques & Methods

and their Subroutines

Compiled by Rafael NELSON M. ABOGANDA
Likhaan Institute for Creativity & Innovation, Inc. | Quezon City, Philippines

The creative thinking (CT) tools and techniques enumerated below are initial listing of techniques
and approaches for different application purposes. It should be noted however that the individual
CT techniques are not necessarily limited to individual thinking applications, they can also be used
in group thinking. Similarly, the group CT techniques are also applicable for individual thinking
application. Hence, the categorization and some sub-classifications are undeniably arbitrary. In
practice, however, the individual techniques are quite productive for personal thinking session,
while those listed as group techniques are more productive if used in group thinking sessions.
1. Techniques for Individual CT*
1.1 Restructuring Techniques – The situation, problem or task need an initial restructuring
1.1.1 Matrix Analysis 1.1.5 Attribute Listing
1.1.2 Morphological Analysis (Fritz Zwicky) 1.1.6 Research Planning Diagrams
1.1.3 Idea Laboratory (Charles H. Clark, 1958) 1.1.7 Mind-Mapping Technique
1.1.4 Relevance Systems 1.1.8 Force Field Analysis
1.2 Analytical Aids – The situation, problem or task need analytical approach
1.2.1 Weighting Systems 1.2.3 Decision Tree
1.2.2 Checklist Methods: Osborn, 1.2.4 Alternative Scenarios
Edward de Bono, others 1.2.5 Elimination Approach (Proctor & Gamble)
1.3 Redefinitional Procedures – The situation, problem or task need wider/larger viewpoints
1.3.1 Reframing Questions [cf. Checklist 1.3.6 Wishful Thinking
Methods] 1.3.7 Non-Logical Stimuli
1.3.2 Goal Focusing (Maxwell Waltz) 1.3.8 Boundary Examination
[cf. Goal Orientation, AGO] 1.3.9 Reversals
1.3.3 Goal Orientation 1.3.10 Wildest Idea
1.3.4 Successive Abstractions 1.3.11 Use of the Ridiculous (Von Fange)
1.3.5 Analogy and Metaphor Procedures 1.3.12 Modification Technique
1.3.13 “Fresh Eye” Approach
Common place object: a. Examination/concentration
b. New/overlooked character c. New uses/variety of uses
1.3.14 Hotpoint Methods
a. Garbage Can Method (waste products)
b. Tear-Down Method
 Person A - Finds everything wrong
 Person B - Won’t agree, and must suggest another
c. And-Also Method
 One adds to suggestions of other persons
d. 17-Solution Methods
 Problem is sent to participants; at a meeting each participant must come with a list of 17
solutions.
1.3.15 Random Technique
1.3.16 Excursion Procedures (speculation and analogy)
1.3.17 Random Juxtaposition
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Created: May 1979 | Last update: February 2009
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1.4 Associational/Combinatorial Techniques – The situation, problem or task need a relational

approach
1.4.1 Free association
1.4.2 Direct Association
1.4.3 Forced Relationships or Force Relating
a. Catalog technique
b. Listing technique
c. Focused object technique
1.4.4 Input-Output Technique (General Electric)
1.5 Procedural Techniques – The situation, problem or task need a particular way, simple order or
series of steps which may be static or dynamic in character.
1.5.1 Itemization – a systematic attempt at dealing adequately but not exhaustively with one item at
a time.
1.5.2 Fundamental Design Method (Edward Matchett, 1967)
a. Thinking with outline strategies d. Thinking with concepts
b. Thinking in parallel planes e. Thinking with basic elements
c. Thinking from several viewpoints
1.5.3 PackCorp Scientific Approach [PakSA] (J.W. Taylor) – Nine step process:
a. Pick a knowledge f. Produce ideas
b. Get knowledge g. Rework ideas
c. Organize knowledge h. Put ideas to work
d. Refine knowledge i. Repeat the process
e. Digest knowledge
1.5.4 Coca-Cola’s 4-Step Process
a. Opportunity search
b. Form evaluation
c. Concept expansion (generation of alternatives/brainstorming)
d. Concept development (Synectics is used)
1.5.5 Problem-Solving Approaches
a. Creative Problem Solving Process
1) Osborn’s simple CPS process:
 Factfinding  Idea Finding  Solution Finding
2) Sydney Parnes’ CPS process:
 Fact-Finding  Problem-Finding  Idea-Finding
 Solution-Finding  Acceptance-Finding
b. Patterns of Solving Problems (Brilhart & Jochem)
 Ideas-Criteria
 Criteria-Ideas
 Problem-Solution
c. The IIISI Approach [pronounced “easy”] (R.N.M. Aboganda, 1972)
 Investigation  Identification  Ideation
 Selection  Implementation
d. KT Approach (Kepner & Tregoe)
e. DO IT Approach (Robert Olson)
 Define the real problem: Mind Focus, Mind Grip, Mind Stretch
 Open yourself to many possible solutions: Mind Prompt, Mind Surprise, Mind Free, Mind
Synthesize
 Identify and intensify the best solution: Mind Integrate, Mind Strengthen, Mind Energize
 Transform the solution into action: Persistence, Resistance from self/others, Modification,
Optimum
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1.5.6 Yoshiro NakaMats’ three-stage process and the three elements of creation
First Rule: You have to be calm
a. Three-stage creative process:
 The ‘static room’ is a place of peace and quiet with only natural things. This is the room to
free-associate.
 The ‘dynamic room’ is dark, with black-and-white-striped walls, leather furniture, and special
audio and video equipment – music: start from jazz to easy listening (classical
music/symphony).
 Last stage―‘swimming pool’―“that’s when I come up with my best ideas” (using plexiglas
writing pad to record these ideas).
b. Three elements of creation:
 Suji, the theory of knowledge.
 Pika, inspiration.
 Iki, practicality, feasibility, and marketability.
Edison claims that ideas are one (1) percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. Now,
NakaMat says, it’s one (1) percent perspiration and 99 percent “ikispiration.”
2. Techniques for Group CT*
2.1 Brainstorming (Osborn, 1953)
2.1.1 Osborn’s method 2.1.4 Wildest ideas
2.1.2 Trigger session 2.1.5 Reverse brainstorming
2.1.3 Recorded round robin 2.1.6 Individual brainstorming*
2.2 Synectics (Gordon & Prince)
2.2.1 Active listing/constructive group behavior
2.2.2 Goal orientation
2.2.3 Itemization
2.2.4 Changed meeting roles
2.2.5 Excursion procedures (speculation & analogy)
a. Personal analogy c. Symbolic analogy
b. Direct analogy d. Fantasy analogy
2.2.6 Individual synectics**
2.3 Lateral Thinking*** (Edward de Bono)
2.3.1 Six Thinking Hats 2.3.2 The Creative Pause 2.3.3 Simple Focus
2.3.4 Creative Challenge 2.3.5 Search for Alternatives 2.3.6 The Concept Fan
2.3.7 Working at Concepts 2.3.8 Provocation and Movement (PO-Provocative Operation)
2.3.9 Arising Provocations 2.3.10 Escape Provocations 2.3.11 The Random Input
2.3.12 Stepping Stone Provocations: Reversal, Exaggeration, Distortion and Wishful Thinking
2.3.13 Movement (Active Mental Operation): Extract a principle, Focus on the difference, Moment to
moment, Positive aspects, and Under What circumstances…
2.3.14 The Stratal “Sensitizing” Technique (Strata or Layers)
2.3.15 The Filament Technique
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NOTES:
* The individual CT techniques may also be used in group ideation; while group CT tools may also
be applicable for individual ideation.
** These subroutine is rather unusual in practice.
*** Lateral Thinking techniques are applicable for both individual and group thinking.
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Inventive Techniques in Shanghai, China

Research on “Creative Studies” reported by YUAN ZHANGDU, Vice-President
Shanghai Invention Institute and Shanghai Society of Synectics, 1981
1. Think Tank Technique – which consist of the following:
a. Discussion: an appropriate number of participants express their ideas on a pre-determined topic.
Each participant is allowed five minutes to speak.
b. Writing from memory: the participants fill in some forms in five minutes, then read out and discuss
them.
c. Briefing: participants who have been given the topic a week previously, brief others at a meeting on
their creative ideas, which are subject to general comment.
d. Suggestion meeting: five to ten people who know the topic under examination make suggestions on
it.
2. Permutation Technique – Permutation is a mathematical term that can be used to describe any of
the following arrangements:
a. Defect permutation: singles out all the defects of a product so that people can adopt improvement
measures in order of importance.
b. Requirement permutation: presents the requirements of a product and organization people to make
designs to meet those requirements.
c. Characteristic permutation: presents the special features of a product and indicates the focal points
for major redesign.
d. Crux permutation: presents the problems and locates the solutions to make them by way of data
analysis.
3. Comparison Technique – This is a thinking process whereby the similarities and differences of
things are compared, according to certain standards with other, related things, so that their
interrelation may be understood. The technique entails:
a. Direct comparison of homogenous things.
b. Indirect comparison of heterogeneous things.
c. Bionic comparison of the functional principles and mechanisms of various biosystems, such as
“prototype inspiration.”
4. Hetian Technique – This technique was developed by the Shanghai Hetian Primary School. It is
also known as "the twelve wise ways."
a. Enlargement: to increase the three dimensions of the product.
b. Reduction: to reduce the size of the product or certain parts of it.
c. Expansion: to expand the shape or function of the product.
d. Contraction: to reduce the shape and structure of the product.
e. Change: to change the shape and structure of the product.
f. Improvement: to improve the shape and structure of the product.
g. Combination: to combine several products or their parts and functions.
h. Imitation: to model the shape and structure of a product on that of another.
I. Substitution: to use substitute materials and methods.
j. Absorption: to absorb the good features of other parts, structures and products.
k. Reversion: to reverse the shape or method of the product.
l. Fixation: to finalize the design, standard and measurement of the product.
5. Imitation Technique – This is a way of reproducing a better product by modelling it on another
product or method by means of imitation, digestion, absorption and improvement.
6. Hypothesis Technique – This generally relates to ideas not yet proven in practice. It is the chief
way for people to understand things. Many inventions are made through repetition of process of
hypothesis, demonstration and practice.
7. Control Technique – Control means the ability to maneuver and dominate, and can be divided
into mathematical model control, process control, link control, functional control, environmental
control, etc.
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