Design Management Group

Osborn's checklist

A simple tool to support concept generation, Osborn's checklist is a comprehensive list of questions about ideas and problems which can be used either individually or in groups. Aims to encourage creativity and divergence in concept generation.

Description

A series of simple questions, which can be used either individually or in groups, designed to support creative and divergent thinking when faced by a design problem. The questions need a point of focus, which could either be an existing solution or proposed concepts to a design problem. The questions should be taken one at a time, to explore new ways and approaches to the problem.

In a brainstorming session, it can be useful to write each statement on a card, and randomly select a card when discussing alternative solutions. Alternatively, paste the questions onto a board and place in the design team's environment.

Checklist

This list is also sometimes referred to as SCAMPER - Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify/Magnify/Minify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse/Rearrange.

Notes

Best used to support group creativity and discussion, although can be referred to individually.

Reference

Osborn, Alex F. (1957) Applied imagination : principles and procedures of creative problem-solving. New York : Scribner