How to get ideas worth communicating

Three basic creative techniques, attribute analysis, analogy, and forcing, are described. Attribute analysis is the basic prerequisite for all creative problem solving. It produces small components that can easily be transformed to yield solution ideas. Cause analysis is one example of a specialized attribute analysis; RAP analysis (resources/actions/products) is another. Analogy is a powerful tool for introducing change ideas. To tap its full potential, both the original problem and the analogy must be decomposed with attribute analysis. Forcing is the introduction of random concepts to stimulate new thinking. Again, the original problem should be explored with attribute analysis first, and each random concept should be expanded through association until it becomes applicable to some problem component. One of the most helpful tools, usable with almost any technique, is a simple three-column worksheet. Such a worksheet encourages one to move steadily from problem decomposition to creative transformation of interesting components