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Creative Problem Solving
Creative Problem Solving
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Overview

Overcoming problems and challenges are part of being alive — but sometimes it's not enough to do the predictable, the normal, or the expected. 

Sometimes you'll have to draw deep into your creative mind and deliver innovative and creative options. So, what if that deep well of creativity is empty and the clock is ticking? 

That's when you bookmark this Playbook as your reference so you can creatively problem solve on demand. 

Experiment with any of these, or ideally a combination of these models, to take your thinking to new creative heights. 

 

This Playbook includes the following sections, select a heading to jump to that section.
UNDERSTAND & REFRAME THE QUESTION.
Don't just jump into creative solutions, ensure that you really understand the problem and that you're asking the right question.
Framestorming
Before you start brainstorming and generating creative solutions, be sure to invest that same creative energy on defining, challenging and reframing the question.
Find out more about Framestorming and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Divide and Conquer
You might think this is a self-evident and simple model — but using click into the model and particularly consider the MECE Principle to help you break down a larger problem.
Find out more about Divide and Conquer and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Cynefin Framework
This framework will help you identify the sort of terrain your problem lies in and how to proceed as a result.
Find out more about Cynefin Framework and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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GET CREATIVE.
Now you've identified the problem, it's time to start to experiment, innovate and explore options.
Design Thinking
You might be ready for a more traditional approach to innovation — leading with empathy and using a range of other tools including Personas, Empathy Maps, Journey Maps and more as part of your Design Thinking experience.
Find out more about Design Thinking and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Focused and Diffuse Thinking
You've been working hard and focusing, which is an important way to solve problems, but be sure to take a break and let your subconscious mind work on the problem also.
Find out more about Focused and Diffuse Thinking and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Rolestorming
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Use this combination between roleplay and brainstorming to generate fresh perspectives on a problem.
Find out more about Rolestorming and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Idea Sex
Time to get new perspectives — embrace diversity in your team and ideas as you seek that 'magic intersection' between key mental models.
Find out more about Idea Sex and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Inversion
Still not working for you? Then try turning the problem on it's head. Identify what you don't want and brainstorm about how to avoid it.
Find out more about Inversion and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Functional Fixedness
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Be aware of your biases — including your assumptions about the familiar resources and status quo elements around you.
Find out more about Functional Fixedness and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
First Principle Thinking
One way to interrupt Functional Fixedness and cut to the core of the issue with fewer assumptions.
Find out more about First Principle Thinking and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Minto Pyramid & SCQA
This one is often described as a communication approach, but its also a method for breaking down a problem and understanding potential answers – it all depends on which way you travel up or down the pyramid. Click into the summary for more.
Find out more about Minto Pyramid & SCQA and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Prototypes
Don't bet everything on your initial hypothesis, test it out by Prototyping it with your audience.
Find out more about Prototypes and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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ITERATE & DELIVER.
Finally, deliver your solutions to continue to test, learn and improve.
The Phoenix Checklist
This checklist was good enough for the CIA, so you're sure to find some useful questions to help you reframe and solve a complex problem.
Find out more about The Phoenix Checklist and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
Minimum Viable Product
Finally, don't commit to the solution. Instead, deliver the most basic option that you think people will want to 'buy' or use, to preview the experience and gain more feedback.
Find out more about Minimum Viable Product and add it to your Latticework of Mental Models here.
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