Imaginary Brainstorming

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Imaginary Brainstorming is like Classic Brainstorming, but with a slight twist. The ground rules etc. are the same, the differences are;

  • When defining the problem make sure that it has
    • a subject - who is acting
    • a verb - the action
    • an object - who / what is being acted upon.
  • Perform a ((classic brainstorming)) session
  • Define the essential elements of the problem, and identify which of the elements above (1) is the most directly tied to a successful solution.
  • Propose imaginary replacements for the other elements. e.g.
Original problem Suggested replacements
How do How do / does
we Children,
The PM,
Donald Duck,
Teachers
write a bid Build a house,
Earn a Million,
get drunk
in half the normal time? in half the normal time?
(This element is kept as the essential element.)
  • Formulate a new problem statement, substituting one of the imaginary elements.
  • Brainstorm ideas for the imaginary problem
  • Apply ideas from the imaginary brainstorming back to the real problem statement.
  • Analyse all of the ideas (real, imaginary and combined) and take forward those of most interest.