4D Stimulus

4D Stimulus is a method that allows you to get a large number of different ideas in a relatively short time. It is based on the well-known method of a random stimulus, on top of which a grid of four parameters is imposed — properties, functions, symbols, and processes. 4D Stimulus helps thinking not to be limited to the first reaction to a stimulus, but to pay attention to its various aspects. As a result, the resulting ideas are more diverse, and the ideas themselves - more.

For example, in response to the stimulus "apple", we will most likely list its properties - tasty, sweet, red, etc. This set of properties can be well suited for solving problems such as, say, creating a new brand or literary character. However, in other cases where the goal is not primarily characterized by properties, this set may be less useful. 4D Stimulus directs our attention to various stimulus parameters that can be useful for different types of tasks - properties are useful if the goal is to create a certain object, functions and processes, if the goal is action, symbols and metaphors, if the goal is a new understanding, and .d

Instruction

1. Training
   • Clearly formulate the task - in the form of keywords, if it is associated with an object (for example, “the design of a bath plug”) or a question if it is an open task (for example, “How to make money in a crisis?”).
   • Choose a stimulus word. This could be a randomly selected word from a dictionary or book or another object that meets predetermined criteria (for example, the closest red item).
   • Divide the vertically positioned A4 sheet with a grid of 3 columns and 4 rows plus a cap. Make the first column the smallest, the second more, and the third - the largest. Name the first column “Parameters”, write the chosen stimulus in the second, and your task in the third.
2. Properties
   • In the parameters column in the first row of the table write “Which one?”. In the next column, list as many stimulus properties as possible, one per line. For example, if the stimulus is "lamp", write:
     - bright
     - light
     - cozy
     - desktop, etc.
   • Now try alternately to apply these qualities to the desired object or the problem to be solved. After a while you will begin to see the connection. Write down all the ideas in the third column. For example: "Light bath plug" - a plug with LEDs that display the temperature of the water.
3. Functions
   • In the next row of the table, in the parameters column, write “Why?”; Write the stimulus functions in the stimulus column, and write down ideas in the third one. In the case of a lamp in the first column will be:
     - prolongs the day
     - makes it possible to work without disturbing others
     - indicates that a person is not sleeping (lamp in the window), etc.
   • Then apply these functions again to the original task. For example, a bath plug with a motion sensor that turns on an alarm when a person falls asleep in a bath.
4. Characters
   • The following series is devoted to the symbols and metaphors associated with the stimulus - in the case of a lamp it is:
     - loneliness
     - work until late
     - poetic evening, etc.
   • Then, as usual, use the results of matching characters with the problem to be solved to generate ideas. For example, the evening "Poetry of your business" for those who lost their jobs as a result of the crisis.
5. Processes and analogies
   • In the last row, describe any processes related to the stimulus (for example, how an electric or kerosene lamp works, how a customer chooses a lamp in a store, etc.).
   • Then apply them to the task using the method of analogies.
6. Selection and refinement of ideas
   • After the break, take a fresh look at the resulting list of ideas, select the best ideas and refine them.

Recommendations

• If you do not have any connection between some kind of stimulus variation and a task, change your point of view or expand the field of associations. Your task is to find the conditions under which this link will appear. If all else fails, skip this variation and move on. But in any case, try to pass no more than hits.
• Do not change the stimulus, if it seems to you that it is not suitable, unsuccessful, empty, does not say anything, etc. - inappropriate incentives do not exist.