In the last two programmes, we have looked at how brainstorming can help you generate ideas. The first programme explored basic brainstorming – just writing down all the ideas that come to mind – and the second programme introduced SCAMPER, which helps you focus your brainstorming in different areas.
In this programme, we are going to show you a new type of tool. It still relies on the brainstorming guidelines, but it works in a different way. The tool is called Forced Connections and it is based on the fact that it is often easier to create interesting and unusual ideas if you connect the problem with random objects. Now, this may sound a bit odd, but it actually works remarkably well..
We will start off by showing you an example using our play problem – how to get really fit.
There is a piece of paper on the desk in the room. Letting go of our judgment, and connecting the paper with our problem, makes us think about building up our muscles by trying to fold paper many times – it is very difficult! The paper could also be used to write an advert for a running partner, or even as a fan to keep us cool while we exercise harder. One more example and then its your turn. There is a large fruit bowl by the window. The fruit bowl makes us think about bowling as a way to get fit. It might be fun, particularly if we walked to the bowling alley, carrying our bowling ball.
As you can see, using forced connections is really very simple, you need some things to look at, and the ability to let go of your judgement.
So, Look around you and pick an object, it doesn’t matter what it is, it just needs to be something unrelated to the problem. Focus on that object, think about the play problem, and write down all the ideas which come to mind.
Don’t worry if you can’t think of any ideas to start with. Forced Connections is a more advanced tool, and in order to make it work, you really need to let go of your judgment. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the ideas to start flowing.
See you in the next programme.