INVERSION AS A CREATIVE THINKING TECHNIQUE
Introduction
The word “inversion” is a noun that originates from the verb “invert”
which means to reverse or turn upside down.
Inversion is a problem-solving technique that involves asking "What
would we do if we wanted to accomplish the opposite?" It is a form of
lateral thinking that encourages teams to consider new and
unconventional perspectives on a problem.
Inversion is a critical thinking tool that helps see the problem in a
different perspective, allowing us to be more flexible and creative in
bringing up solutions.
Inversion Technique is to look at a particular problem from the opposite
point of view, turn a problem on its head and consider the exact opposite
of your desired result.
Instead of focusing on what you want to happen, you think about what
you don’t want to happen and plan to avoid this.
It is a unique approach to problem solving which starts with imagining
the worst-case scenarios and then using those scenarios as the basis for
developing solutions.
In the most general sense, inversion is a vision of the opposite side of
things, solving the problem from the end, reversing the main directions
of action, information and work processes.
Reversal as a problem-solving technique can free you from old ways of
looking at problems. While a reversed challenge sometimes sounds odd
and illogical, it often sparks much more creative solutions.
Inversion encourages you to consider how to fail (which often proves to
be easier).
Sample problems
1. Littering has become excessive in our halls and its environs, to
solve this problem by method of inversion, we should ask
ourselves, “what can we do to increase the filth generated in our
halls?” Possible answers include:
○ Taking away all dust bins.
○ Not employing people to empty bins as often as needed.
○ Discouraging people from sweeping and cleaning verandas
and hallways.
○ Encouraging students to drop all their trash on the verandas.
In other to solve the problem we’re going to do the exact opposite of this
which involves;
● Providing enough bins to prevent students from dropping rubbish
into overflowing trash cans.
● Employing people to empty trash appropriately and as often as
possible.
● Ensuring that the verandas and hallways are swept properly.
● Encouraging students to dispose off trash appropriately and
sanctioning those who go contrary.
2. Theft and abuse cases are on the rise in university campuses. In
order to use inversion to solve this problem, we think about all the
possible ways to increase the rate of theft and abuse among
students and staff which include;
● Walking alone late at night.
● Flaunting devices such as phones while walking at secluded places.
● Using shortcuts at night.
● Being careless and ignorant.
Now we do the exact opposite which include;
● Encouraging students to walk in groups from one place to another
especially late at night.
● Keeping phones and other devices out of sight when walking late
at night.
● Using well known and well lit routes when walking alone.
● Educating students on the various security measures they need to
take to be safe on campus
Several products have been created using
inversion as a creative technique, where designers flipped conventional
ideas to
produce innovative solutions. Here are some examples:
1. E-books
Traditional books are printed on paper, but e-books invert this idea by
offering digital versions, which are more portable and often more
interactive.
2. Bendy or flexible phones
Traditional smartphones
have rigid screens, but flexible
smartphones invert this idea, offering bendable displays for more
versatile use.
The flexible screens are designed to fold into smaller sizes hence making
them portable. A typical example is the Samsung Galaxy Flip series.
3. Ring Video Doorbells
Traditional doorbells are just buttons that ring a chime which do not
allow you to see and communicate with the person at your door but the
ring video doorbell inverts this concept by incorporating a camera and
internet connectivity, allowing users to see and communicate with
visitors remotely.
4. Convertible furniture
Items like sofa beds invert the traditional function of furniture,
combining seating and sleeping arrangements in one piece.
5. Standing desks
Traditional desks are designed for sitting but sitting for long hours
sometimes brings about discomfort and back pain and also increases risk
of relaxation while working. In order to avoid this, standing desks make
use of the method of inversion such that these desks can be adjusted so
that the user can stand while working promoting a healthier posture and
reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Conclusion
By thinking about all the possible ways of failing ( which proves to be
much easier) and doing the exact opposite we solve problems that we
encounter in our schools, workplaces and places of residence by
inversion.
