Thinking new is not always easy, especially when we are stuck in old patterns of thought and habitual solutions. But with the help of some creative principles, we can break free from the expected and find new perspectives.
By learning the principles below by heart, you will always be ready to come up with creative ideas when asked. If you also practice a little every day on your own or personal challenges, you will emerge as a creative thinker.
1. Use a random word to create new connections
Using a random word is a powerful method to provoke new thoughts. Start by bringing up a word – perhaps from a dictionary, an app, or just the first word you see in the room.
Example: If you are working on an idea for the office of the future and the random word is “forest”, you can ask yourself:
How can we create an office that feels like a forest?
- What does the forest symbolize (oxygen, collaboration, growth power) and how can we use these elements?
- Can we use natural materials, soundscapes or other ideas that are reminiscent of a forest?
It immediately starts new thoughts that you wouldn’t have had without the random word.
It’s not about always finding a direct connection, but about forcing your brain to think outside the box. At first, this feels strange and maybe not so rewarding, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes and soon you will have a handful of random words that are rich in properties that you can always use to generate creative ideas for new challenges.
2. Increase, decrease, add, remove or change the order
When working with an idea, challenge it by systematically manipulating its elements.
Increase: What happens if we make this 10 times bigger?
Decrease: What does the solution look like if we remove 90% of the resources?
Add: Can we add an unexpected element that improves the function?
Remove: What happens if we remove parts or conditions?
Change the order: What happens if we change the order of how things are done?
Example: If you are designing a new customer process, can you charge before the customer knows what they are buying? Can you remove payment altogether?
By practicing these principles, you can think about the boundaries of what is possible. It works well for process and service-related challenges. It becomes like a small question box that forces thinking outside the box.
3. Do the opposite
This technique involves thinking of an opposite solution to your challenge, which can open up completely new insights.
Example: If you are trying to reduce food waste in a restaurant, think the opposite:
- What happens if we actively try to increase food waste?
- What factors would create more waste?
- How can we use the insights from this to turn the problem around?
The opposite of a good idea is often another good idea. By thinking about the opposite of your current solution, you will surprisingly often find another possible solution. Thinking is out the opposite this way helps you identify new areas for improvement and challenge assumptions you previously took for granted.
4. Ask for something “brand new”
Sometimes we get stuck trying to improve what we already have, instead of thinking brand new. Force yourself to let go of old ideas by asking for a solution that doesn’t rely on existing assumptions.
For example, if you’re developing a means of transportation, ask:
- What would a brand new way of transportation be?
- How could we power our means of transportation in a brand new way?
Asking your brain to create something brand new forces it to question the assumptions built into our understanding of the problem. This method breaks down invisible barriers and opens up more radical ideas. Asking your brain to think brand new is a creative muscle.
5. Ask for a “future solution”
The future solution forces you to think beyond today’s limitations and imagine an ideal world where all obstacles are gone.
Example: If you are trying to solve a problem with energy consumption, ask:
- What does the future energy solution look like where we have unlimited access to renewable energy?
- What does future energy recycling look like?
By placing yourself in the future, you can come up with ideas that would not have been possible otherwise. This method allows you to leave assumptions and open up to the fact that there are things in your environment that can be used in a new way.
Combine with AI for creativity
An additional tool for thinking new is to use AI to create richer images and information about your problem. You can ask AI for suggestions based on these principles:
- Ask AI for a solution and then use the methods above to have a richer starting material to be creative with.
- Ask AI for 10 random words and use them to start new lines of thought.
- Ask AI for the opposite or a future solution.
However, remember that AI builds on existing patterns, so it is up to you to interpret and adapt the suggestions to achieve real creativity.
Dare to think new in a complex world
In a time when the world is becoming increasingly complex
For example, we need new ways to solve problems. The principles above can help you break old patterns and find solutions that are not only different but also powerful. But remember – creativity is a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes, and if you don’t exercise it, anything unfamiliar will seem strange and awkward.
So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, pick up a random word or a practiced creativity method. Then you’re guaranteed to find the truly creative solutions!
