Osborn's checklist
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
Other uses? |
New ways to use as is? Other uses if modified? |
Adapt? |
What else is like this? What other idea does this suggest? Does past offer parallel? What could I copy? Whom could I emulate? |
Modify? |
New twist? Change meaning, colour, motion, odour, taste, form, shape? Other changes? |
Magnify? |
What to add? More time? Greater frequency? Stronger? Higher? Larger? Longer? Thicker? Heavier? Extra value? Plus ingredient? Duplicate? Multiply? Exaggerate? |
Minify? |
What to subtract? Smaller? Condensed? Miniature? Lower? Shorter? Narrower? Lighter? Omit? Streamline? Split up? Understate? Less frequent? |
Substitute? |
Who else instead? What else instead? Other ingredient? Other material? Other process? Other power? Other place? Other approach? Other tone of voice? Other time? |
Rearrange? |
Interchange components? Other pattern? Other layout? Other sequence? Transpose cause and effect? Change place? Change schedule? Earlier? Later? |
Reverse? |
Transpose positive and negative? How about opposites? Turn it backward, upside down, inside out? Reverse roles? Change shoes? Turn tables? Turn other cheek? |
Combine? |
How about a blend, an alloy, an assortment, an ensemble? Combine units? |
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.
Refernece
Osborn, Alex F. (1957) Applied imagination : principles and procedures of creative problem-solving. New York : Scribner
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