Synectics Brainstorming Encourages Creative ThinkingSynectics is a problem solving process that encourages the separation of the original problem by creating analogies or problems similar in relationship to the first. The method was originally developed by William Gordon, and the general principal of synectics brainstorming is to “trust things that are alien and alienate things that are trusted.” It puts for the possibility for new, fresh ideas and creative solutions to appear from your brainstorming sessions. Synectics brainstorming can be broken down into four different categories to help your group. The first is similar. Find a similar word or idea that relates to your original problem or idea. Now, what does it feel like? This may be difficult for some teams in a profession setting, but getting your emotions and feelings into play with your problem can help generate some new and fresh ideas. Next, what is the opposite? Find the exact opposite to your problem, or idea. Now, find something similar. These tools will help you to explore your problem or idea in depth and gain new perspective to what the answer or solution could be. Synectics can be used with all ages, in classrooms, business settings, or in the home. Start by having your participants describe the topic, verbally in a group setting, or by writing a few sentences or short paragraph individually. Then create a list of words or topics that are similar to the original words. The list can be comprised of words that describe how the object or problem or situation makes them feel, how it affects them, vivid mental pictures that can help the other team members relate to the original word.
Now have each of them select one of the direct analogies from the two lists and make a personal connection between the two. How would it feel to be both? Are there words from the original lists that seem to repel or fight against each other? Ask why they seem to be opposites even though they were formed as lists of similarity.
Next, have them create and verbalize a list that describes the opposite of the original word or ideas. For each word on the original topic list, find a word or idea that encourages the opposite reaction, feeling or thought. Now return to the original idea or topic and without looking at the original list create a new one with new fresh idea.
Synectics brainstorming works well as it reaches individuals with different learning styles, and teaches them how to work together in a cooperative learning exercise. Synectics is useful in problem solving and lets you use the imagination and senses when formulating ideas. |