Checklist Technique of Idea Generation
The checklist technique of idea generation simply amounts to examining some kind of list that could suggest solutions for a given problem. The theory behind checklists is based on new combinations of unrelated elements, using an idea checklist to force nonobvious and nonhabitual combinations.
Checklists can extend the intuitive idea supply, first, by directly providing solution possibilities, and second, by indirectly stimulating the production of new ideas beyond the list itself.
A. F. Osborn devised a list of 73 idea-spurring questions to inspire product idea generation sessions.’ Following are some of the key question categories:
• Put to other uses? New ways to use the product as is or if modified?
• Adapt? What else is like this? What other place or thing does this suggest?
• Modify? Change meaning, color, motion, sound, odor, form, shape?
• Magnify? More time? Greater frequency? Stronger? Higher? Longer? Thicker? Plus ingredient? Multiply?
• Minify? Smaller? Lower? Shorter? Lighter? Split up? Understate?
• Substitute? Who or what else instead?
• Rearrange? Interchange components? Other layout? Other
sequence? Transpose cause and effect?
• Reverse? Transpose opposites? Turn it backward? Upside
down? Inside out?
• Combine? How about a blend? An assortment? Combine units? Purposes? Appeals?
