Innovation Information

Solve Problems With A Word List


To creatively solve problems you need to get your mind looking in new directions. You can systematically do this by using a list of words, primarily adjectives, to create "what if?" scenarios. You start with the question, "what if it was..." and then insert a word from the list. The "it" in the question is the problem you're trying to solve, or the solution or situation that exists now.

Using "What If" To Solve Problems

An example will help explain the process. Assume your house is too crowded because you're running your business from it. You ask, "What if it was..." and insert from the word list, "smaller." The house is already too small, but could the business be smaller? The word "divided" might give you the idea to keep the business in just one part of the house.

Most words on the list won't help, so you can go through the irrelevant ones quickly. Don't automatically dismiss them, though, without a few seconds consideration. "What if it was hopeless?" may seem like a useless question, or it may make you realize that you just can't keep the business in the house any longer.

As with most problem-solving techniques, it's important to allow ideas to flow without judging them initially. Don't stifle the creative process. Evaluate your ideas later, when you're done with this part.

The Problem Solving Word List

You can create your own list of words. Use adjectives, descriptive phrases, and words that can change your perspective. These could include the following:

What if it was... larger, smaller, farther away, closer, sooner, later, easier, more difficult, higher, fat, rich, short, black, certain, hopeless, newer, boring, casual, subtracted from, cheaper, common, divided, more interesting, extravagant, subtle, or fun?

Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower enhancement, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe to his free Mind Power Course, at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/mind-power.html


MORE RESOURCES:

Where's the innovation from US automakers?
Boston Globe, United States - Nov 21, 2008
American ingenuity and innovation is, in fact, thriving, but you wouldn't know it as you drive past car dealerships that are stuffed with SUVs and V-8s that ...
Video: Automakers Testify As Hopes for Aid Falter AssociatedPress
Editorial: Auto industry needs innovation as much as cash Oshkosh Northwestern
Big auto boom coming National Post
MiamiHerald.com - Minneapolis City Pages
all 1,653 news articles


Chapel Hill News

Firm puts UNC Innovation Center on hold
Chapel Hill News, NC - 6 hours ago
CHAPEL HILL -- Matthew Redinbo would love to be one of the first tenants in UNC's Innovation Center. And if all goes well, he hopes not to be there for too ...
Best of the blogs News & Observer
all 4 news articles


City will seek state loan for Innovation Campus
Brookings Register, SD - 10 hours ago
Brookings city councilors on Tuesday agreed to apply for a state loan to help finance infrastructure at the South Dakota State University Innovation Campus. ...


Innovation that gave us our gadgets needed to help safely recycle them
The Tennessean, TN - 5 hours ago
Technology and innovation will have as much a role to play in solving the problem of e-waste as they did in its creation. We don't want to stifle the ...


Vodafone Americas Foundation Rolls Out 'Wireless Innovation Challenge'
Trading Markets (press release), CA - 5 hours ago
VOD | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The Vodafone Americas Foundation announced the launch of its Wireless Innovation Challenge, an initiative that ...


Sharp Continues National Marketing Campaign with Emphasis on LCD ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
This phase highlights the groundbreaking Limited Edition AQUOS LCD TV Series, which represents the culmination of 35 years of Sharp's LCD innovation, ...


Molecular Wins Prestigious W(3) and MITX Awards for Web Innovation
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Additionally, the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) recognized Molecular at the 13th Annual MITX Awards ceremony. ...


dbMotion Receives Healthcare IT Summit "Innovation Award"
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Innovation Awards were voted on solely by the attending IT decision makers who directly influence their customers' technology buying decisions. ...


OpTier's CoreFirst Wins 2008 Financial Innovation Award
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
OpTier(R), the leader in Business Transaction Management(TM) (BTM) for the enterprise, today announced that it has received the 2008 Financial Innovation ...


AFP

Google's Schmidt calls for more innovation, stronger infrastructure
CNET News, CA - Nov 18, 2008
He suggested opening up the development of smart electric grids to more innovation and creating more competition among broadband providers. ...
Google CEO Eric Schmidt Calls For Innovation Bailout InformationWeek
Google CEO promotes new version of government MLive.com
Google CEO Touts Innovation Amid Economic Turmoil National Journal
FierceCIO - Washington Times
all 81 news articles

Innovation - Google News

home | site map
© 2006