Random stimuli
Random stimuli is tool for generating ideas.
Random stimuli is a lateral thinking tool by psychologist Edward de Bono in 1968 and published in his book "Serious Creative" (1995). It is also know as random-word. Like the name suggests you use a random word to generate ideas when you get stuck. This random process breaks you out of your normal thinking patterns.
For this technique you look up a random word from a dictionary or prepared list, preferably a noun. Brainstorm around that word and use a technique like Mind Mapping to document your ideas. Select another word and repeat the process. While some of the ideas you generate may not be usable others may provide you with new direction.
For example, I am arranging the end of year meeting for our department. I need the event to be fun but focused on resilience. The random word I selected on the list could be "truck". Through my list of ideas I could decide to have the group build a Lego truck as team to analysis their decision making and communication process.
You can find a summary of the tool at de Bono consulting.
Random stimuli is a lateral thinking tool by psychologist Edward de Bono in 1968 and published in his book "Serious Creative" (1995). It is also know as random-word. Like the name suggests you use a random word to generate ideas when you get stuck. This random process breaks you out of your normal thinking patterns.
For this technique you look up a random word from a dictionary or prepared list, preferably a noun. Brainstorm around that word and use a technique like Mind Mapping to document your ideas. Select another word and repeat the process. While some of the ideas you generate may not be usable others may provide you with new direction.
For example, I am arranging the end of year meeting for our department. I need the event to be fun but focused on resilience. The random word I selected on the list could be "truck". Through my list of ideas I could decide to have the group build a Lego truck as team to analysis their decision making and communication process.
You can find a summary of the tool at de Bono consulting.
References
De Bono, E. (1995). Serious creativity. Harper Business. http://teaching.ust.hk/~mark329/Papers/serious%20creativity.pdf
O'Sullivan A., (2013), Creativity Remix, OER Assignment for MSc in Digital Education (Digital Futures Module)
O'Sullivan A., (2013), Creativity Remix, OER Assignment for MSc in Digital Education (Digital Futures Module)