Brainstorming Techniques
Reverse brainstorming, also known as negative brainstorming, is a creative problem-solving technique where teams approach a problem by considering what could cause the problem, rather than what could solve it. By flipping the problem on its head and focusing on the opposite outcome, teams can sometimes uncover more unique and innovative solutions to problems.
To use reverse brainstorming, start by identifying the problem or challenge that needs to be solved. Then, instead of asking "what could solve this problem," ask "what could cause this problem." This shift in perspective can help teams uncover underlying issues or assumptions that they may have missed before.
Once the team has generated a list of potential causes, they can work to flip each idea into a potential solution. For example, if the problem is low employee morale, some potential causes might include poor communication, lack of recognition, or a negative work environment. The team can then flip each of these causes into potential solutions, like improving communication channels, implementing an employee recognition program, or redesigning the work environment.
One famous example of reverse brainstorming is the creation of the Post-it Note. In the 1970s, Dr. Spencer Silver was working on a new type of adhesive at 3M. However, the adhesive wasn't very strong and didn't have any practical applications. Instead of focusing on how to make the adhesive stronger, Dr. Silver and his team used reverse brainstorming to come up with unique applications for the weak adhesive. This eventually led to the creation of the Post-it Note, which has become an iconic office supply around the world.
Another example of reverse brainstorming in action is the creation of the Swiffer cleaning product. The problem that the team was trying to solve was the fact that traditional cleaning products like brooms and mops were messy and ineffective. Instead of trying to improve these products, the team used reverse brainstorming to come up with a list of things that make cleaning more difficult, such as dust, pet hair, and hard-to-reach places. They then used these causes to develop a new cleaning product that was specifically designed to address these issues.
Overall, reverse brainstorming is a powerful tool for teams looking to break out of old thought patterns and generate more creative solutions to problems. By flipping the problem on its head and focusing on what could cause the problem instead of what could solve it, teams can uncover new insights and approaches that may have been overlooked before.
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