PM - 127 Generating product ideas
Braindrawing
A brainstorming technique that involves developing random sketches and doodles and then relating the drawings to an issue or problem
Reverse brainstorming
A brainstorming technique that involves looking at a problem from the opposite point of view to generate solutions.
Relay brainstorming
A brainstorming technique that involves multiple individuals from competing teams responding in a certain order with no assistance from teammates.
Starbursting
A brainstorming technique that involves using a star-shaped diagram to ask and answer basic questions about an issue or situation
Brainwriting
A brainstorming technique that involves writing random ideas or words on pieces of paper, then sharing them with others to build upon each other's ideas
Round-robin brainstorming
A brainstorming technique that requires participants to respond quickly and only when it's their turn.
Attribute listing
A creative-thinking method that involves listing the characteristics or attributes of something and then finding ways to improve these attributes
Morphological analysis
A creative-thinking method to generate ideas by focusing on the details of a situation; involves combining some or all of a product's attributes in different ways to create new things
Brainstorming
A creative-thinking technique involving the identification of as many different ideas as possible during a certain time frame; can be done by one person but is used most often in a group setting
Forced relations
A creative-thinking technique that involves connecting two items or ideas that seem completely unrelated to find new practical combinations and products
Synectics
A creative-thinking technique that involves making connections through the use of forced relations
Free association
A creative-thinking technique that involves reacting to random words or pictures to generate a flow of ideas; each idea is used to trigger others; the process is repeated until connections are made with a given issue or situation
Forced questioning
A creative-thinking technique using basic question starters to develop original questions to ask (and answer) about an issue or idea; these question starters include who, what, why, where, when, how, did, will, might, would, could, should, etc.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which one idea, concept, or entity is compared to or used in place of another
Simile
A figure of speech in which two unlike things are compared using the words "like" or "as"
Mind mapping
A form of brainstorming that organizes ideas and information graphically, using shapes, pictures, and words; a creative-thinking technique that involves the generation of ideas by associations
Idea
A formulated thought resulting from a representation of a concept within the mind
Creative thinking
A mental process involving the development of unique ideas, approaches, and solutions
Programmed thinking
A process used to solve problems and generate ideas in logical, analytical, organized ways
Lateral thinking
A process used to solve problems and generate ideas in purposely illogical ways
Forced analogy
A synectics creative-thinking method involving the use of metaphors and similes to create connections where none currently exist
Forced associations
A synectics creative-thinking technique involving forcing random words into associations or connections with a given issue or idea
Complementary products
Goods and/or services that are used together (e.g., skirts and blouses, ski boots and skis, software and computers)
Substitute products
Goods and/or services that can be used in place of others; items that satisfy the same needs/wants
Associations
The connection or relation of ideas, feelings, reasoning, etc.
Idea generation
The conscious or unconscious process of thought formulation
Trend
The general direction in which people or events are moving
Ideation
The process of generating and developing new ideas
Product life cycle
The stages through which goods and services move from the time they are introduced on the market until they are taken off the market