We have gathered 30 of our favourite creative thinking techniques and put them together in a FREE PLAYBOOK.

What and why?

This PLAYBOOK is a collection of the techniques we turn to for most creative thinking challenges. They are gathered from many expert sources and leading thinkers. We encourage you to explore their origins and uses. They are our favourites.

We share them freely in the hope that they will inspire you too.

Creative thinking process

For simplicity, we have grouped the techniques into four stages, representative of the creative thinking flow.

The techniques will often apply to multiple stages and, as creative thinking is a non-linear process, be open to jumping forward and back frequently as you develop and iterate your ideas.

Here’s what’s included:

Explore

People and experiences

• Constructive discontent
• User trips
• Stakeholder radar
• Persona vignette
• Empathy map
• Four pleasures prism

Systems & material things

• Five functions prism
• Fishbone diagram
• Systems & feedback loops

Wider perspectives

• Five Whys
• 5W&1H / Kipling method
• Innovation landscape matrix

Frame

• How Might We (HMW)
• POV statement
• Briefing canvas

Ideate

Systematic thinking

• Attribute listing
• Morphological analysis
• SCAMPER
• Ecodesign strategy wheel

Intuitive thinking

• Associative thinking
• Metaphors & similes
• Random stimuli
• Creative sparks

Collaborative thinking

• Brainstorm canvas
• Brainwriting 635

Evaluate

• Selection matrix
• Desirability, Feasibility, Viability
• Opportunity matrix
• MET matrix
• Sustainability case

FREE PLAYBOOK DOWNLOAD