The Problem Solving Method

What is a Problem?

What is Creative Problem Solving?

What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?

Information Gathering

Understanding Types of Information

Identifying Key Questions

Methods of Gathering Information

Problem Definition

Defining the Problem

Determining Where the Problem Originated

Defining the Present State and the Desired State

Stating and Restating the Problem

Analyzing the Problem

Writing the Problem Statement

Preparing for Brainstorming

Identifying Mental Blocks

Removing Mental Blocks

Stimulating Creativity

Generating Solutions (I)

Brainstorming Basics

Brainwriting and Mind Mapping

Duncker Diagrams

Generating Solutions (II)

The Morphological Matrix

The Six Thinking Hats

The Blink Method

Analyzing Solutions

Developing Criteria

Analyzing Wants and Needs

Using Cost/Benefit Analysis

Selecting a Solution

Doing a Final Analysis

Paired Comparison Analysis

Analyzing Potential Problems

Planning Your Next Steps

Identifying Tasks

Identifying Resources

Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting

Recording Lessons Learned

Planning the Follow-Up Meeting

Celebrating Successes

Identifying Improvements