What is it?
Lateral Thinking
is a means of achieving creative thought by extending the thinking process
beyond normal limits.
When to use it
Lateral Thinking is best used as part of the
brainstorming process in:
- Developing objectives
for solutions
- Developing possible
solutions
- Developing action
plans
What does it achieve?
Lateral thinking
encourages the breakdown of barriers which inhibit creative thinking.
We normally limit our thinking by what has been done before, or by staying
within the boundaries of our present situation ie. tramline thinking
or tunnel vision. To achieve total quality, it is important to step
outside this routine thinking and be able to generate ideas not constrained
by past or present practices and attitudes
Key steps
- Breaking down
the NO barrier
- Random juxtaposition
- Challenging
accepted outlooks/statements
- Six thinking
hats:
- White - Facts & figures
- Black - Pessimism
- Green - Creativity
- Red - Emotion
- Yellow - Optimism
- Blue - Overview