It is extremely important that readers of these notes refer to the full section on the application of the lateral thinking techniques. The notes given here are brief points and do not cover the full use of the techniques.
Used as a general framework for discussion. The green hat asks for a specific creative effort. The yellow hat asks for a positive and constructive view of the emergent idea. The black hat is used to put “caution” and logical negative thinking in its proper position as a later part of the treatment of the idea: “We do not need the black hat just yet.”
Clear focus and choice of subfocuses. Challenge to existing methods, existing concepts, existing thinking. Fixed points for alternatives. Escape provocation to jump out of existing grooves of thinking. Stepping-stone provocation for radical change in whole system. The concept fan for major reconsideration of what is being done.
Focus to define the problem. Alternative definitions of the problem. Subfocuses on parts of the problem. Challenge to definition and presentation of problem. Challenge to existing thinking. Challenge to the shaping factors of thinking (boundaries, etc.). Challenge to basic concepts. Fixed points and alternatives for simple problems and the concept fan for major creative efforts. Escape-type provocation to move away from standard approaches. Stepping-stone provocation for radical rethinking. The random word when blocked or to find a very different approach.
As for problems but the filament technique can be used at the beginning. There is less emphasis on challenge and more on desires. The wishful thinking type of stepping-stone is of great use.
Similar to tasks but with even more emphasis on requirements and the initial use of stratals and the filament technique. The random word can give fresh approaches. Challenge to existing concepts. Challenge to the thinking taking place during the creative effort. Escape provocations on requirements.
Open-ended situations where there is no clear starting point and nothing to escape from. The use of the random word to give a starting point. The use of stratals to allow ideas to emerge. The filament technique if the requirements are known. Wishful thinking type of stepping-stone.
Treat as a combination of greenfield, design, and task.
This may take the form of “problem solving”, task, greenfield, or opportunity, depending on the inventions brief.
When there seem to be no new ideas, then the random input is the most useful technique to get things going again. The escape provocation can be used on current thinking in order to get out of the existing cycle of thinking. Wishful thinking and stepping-stone may also open up new directions.
Use the concept fan on the project as a whole. Choose subfocuses and use challenge and alternatives on these. Problems and tasks may define themselves within the projects and these can then be treated as such. There is a strong need to define where the creative effort is really needed. Often projects can be treated as a combination of task and design.
The need to be very clear about the focus and creative needs. A combination of problem, greenfield, design, and task. There may be a need to design a way forward. There may be a need to try for a really fresh approach with the random word. Challenge and the escape provocation can be applied to current thinking and especially locked-in situations.
Here stratals at the beginning to open up some ideas. The random word technique should provide discontinuities. The escape provocation forces new thinking about any matter. Concept analysis is also important here.
This is basically a design process that may include subproblems and a consideration of possible futures. The filament technique can be tried if the requirements are clear. The general procedure would be to put forward some strategy and then to make challenges at several points. There is a strong need for basic concept work: what are the concepts being used? Powerful changes are likely to come from the escape type of provocation. There is frequent need for fixed points and alternatives within the general strategy framework.
This is best treated as a combination of design and task. Subproblems and emerging fresh focuses may need to be treated as such. Challenge is a powerful technique here, especially when applied to the planner’s own thinking. Fixed points and alternatives are valuable at various points.
In time, the basic uses of the techniques will become familiar and the creative thinker will choose from the possible techniques the one that seems needed at the moment – just as a carpenter chooses his or her tools.
The basic functions of the tools can be summarized as follows:
Focus and subfocuses
Alternatives and elaborated alternatives (concept fan)
Challenge to the existing
Escape from the existing
Radical rethinking (stepping-stone)
Fresh ideas and new start (random word)
Sensitization (stratal and filament technique)