Idea

Mind mapping starts with a blank sheet of paper, with the topic placed in the center. From the main keyword, ideas branch out and are freely arranged around the central word.

The key concept of mind mapping is to combine visual and verbal representation. It creates a visual representation that connects terms and content to each other, forming a cohesive picture.

The present problem is divided into small sub-functions and analyzed accordingly. For each sub-problem, partial solutions are developed. These partial solutions are then combined into one or more overall solutions.

In the left column, all sub-problems are listed, while the right columns contain all possible partial solutions. The cells are subsequently connected using lines and summarized into potential concepts. It is a simple, fast, and effective approach that can be understood by team members who may not have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.

Osborn designed a questionnaire for problem analysis, which can be applied in both professional and personal life. It consists of nine relevant questions:

• How else can I use it? Can I use it in a different way?
• Does the problem suggest any other ideas? Is it similar to something else?
• What can be changed? What attributes can be altered?
• Can something be magnified, added, or multiplied?
• Can something be reduced, removed, or shortened?
• What can be replaced? What conditions can be changed?
• Can the sequence or structure be modified?
• Can the idea be reversed? Can the process be reversed?
• Can ideas be combined or people be connected?

These questions uncover weaknesses, bring forgotten aspects to light, and challenge the perspective of individuals.

In this method, the first step involves using the brainstorming technique to identify all the obvious and conceivable weaknesses and inconsistencies of the current solution to the problem. In the second step, following the rules of brainstorming, new and improved suggestions are sought for each of these weaknesses.

The goal is to thoroughly analyze the existing solution, uncover its shortcomings, and generate alternative ideas or improvements that address those weaknesses. This process allows for critical evaluation and stimulates creative thinking to find better solutions.