Lateral Thinking is a cognitive technique that seeks to find creative solutions to complex problems. Unlike traditional thinking, which follows a linear and logical path, Lateral Thinking encourages the exploration of multiple perspectives and the generation of innovative ideas. In this article, we will explore six effective strategies for applying Lateral Thinking in various contexts.
1. Breaking patterns
One of the main premises of Lateral Thinking is the breaking of established patterns. To do this, it is necessary to question implicit assumptions and conventional approaches to a problem. An effective way to break patterns is to make unexpected analogies, combining seemingly unrelated elements to find new perspectives and solutions.
Example:
Imagine that you are faced with a marketing problem to increase sales of a product. Instead of focusing on traditional advertising strategies, you could look to completely different industries for inspiration. What promotional techniques do companies from other sectors use that could be applied in an innovative way in your case?
2. Divergent thinking
Lateral Thinking encourages the generation of divergent ideas, that is, exploring a wide range of possibilities without restrictions. To apply this strategy, it is useful to hold brainstorming sessions in which all suggestions are evaluated, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Subsequently, elements from different proposals can be combined to create unique and creative solutions.
Example:
Imagine that a design team must find an innovative solution to a usability problem in a mobile app. In a brainstorming session, seemingly crazy ideas are proposed, such as using the concept of augmented reality to improve the user experience. By combining this proposal with more conventional elements, the team manages to develop a disruptive and attractive solution.
3. Change the point of view
An effective strategy to apply Lateral Thinking is to change the point of view from which a problem is approached. This involves observing the situation from different perspectives, such as that of the client, a child, an alien, among others. By adopting different imaginary roles, aspects of the problem that are not perceived from the conventional perspective can be identified.
Example:
Imagine that a software development team must design a software application. Task management. To apply Lateral Thinking, you could imagine that you are designing the app from a child's perspective. What would the graphical interface be like if it were designed for a children's audience? This new vision could lead to innovative ideas that would not otherwise be considered.
4. Use provocative questions
Provocative questions are a powerful tool to stimulate Lateral Thinking. By asking questions that challenge established assumptions and boundaries, you can spur the generation of creative ideas. Questions like "What if...?" or "Why not...?" are usually effective in breaking pre-established mental structures and opening up new possibilities for solutions.
Example:
Imagine that a marketing team must develop an advertising campaign for an innovative product. Instead of asking how to promote the product in a conventional way, provocative questions could be asked such as "What if the advertising campaign is carried out entirely in virtual reality?" This question could lead to exploring new ways to interact with the target audience and stand out. the innovative nature of the product.
5. Lateral thinking as a team
Lateral Thinking can be further enhanced when applied as a team. By bringing together individuals with different skills, experiences and perspectives, the creative process is enriched and more diverse and original ideas are generated. It is important to foster an environment of trust and openness, in which all team members feel comfortable to contribute their ideas without fear of judgment.
Example:
Imagine that a interdisciplinary team must find a creative solution to improve the energy efficiency of a building. By combining the expertise of an architect, a systems engineer and an interior designer, the team is able to explore integrated solutions that encompass technical, aesthetic and functional aspects. Lateral Thinking as a team allows you to take advantage of the diversity of talents and knowledge to find innovative and complete solutions.
6. Experimentation and flexibility
A key characteristic of Lateral Thinking is experimentation and flexibility in the creative process. It's important to be willing to try new ideas, even those that may seem risky or unconventional. Constant iteration and the willingness to adjust and adapt solutions based on the results obtained are essential for success in the application of Lateral Thinking.
Example:
Imagine that an entrepreneur is developing a new product for the fashion market. To apply Lateral Thinking, you decide to launch a crowdfunding campaign to validate the acceptance of the product before its mass production. Through experimentation and interaction with potential clients, the entrepreneur obtains valuable feedback that allows him to adjust the design and marketing strategy in a creative and effective way.
In conclusion, Lateral Thinking is a tool powerful to stimulate creativity, innovation and complex problem solving. By applying the aforementioned strategies, it is possible to develop original and effective solutions that can make a difference in various professional and personal areas. Dare to think laterally and discover new possibilities!