PLAYBOOK

30 favourite creative thinking tools

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

The 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.

PLAYBOOK pages

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.

Design process

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

The PLAYBOOK

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