Methods for finding ideas and creating innovation

There are many methods for finding ideas. With some degree of conditionality, they can be divided into three groups:

1. Methods of psychological activation of thinking.
2. Methods systematized search.
3. Directed search methods.

Each of the methods aims to facilitate the search for solutions to the creative problem compared with the so-called “trial and error” method that people usually use. The expediency of applying the method belonging to one group or another, in particular, depends on the complexity of the problem being solved. The figure on the right shows for various groups of methods conditional graphs of the complexity of solving a creative task depending on its complexity.

To solve relatively simple problems, it is advisable to use methods belonging to the first two groups. The methods of directional search were specially created for solving complex problems and, despite the complexity of these methods, their use in this case turns out to be justified. Applying the methods of directional search for simple tasks may be impractical because the complexity of the methods themselves will be higher than the complexity of the problem being solved or because these methods are unsuitable for solving such problems.

Methods of psychological activation of thinking

The methods of psychological activation of creative thinking are aimed at eliminating the so-called psychological inertia of thinking, which prevents the finding of inventive solutions and new business ideas that hinder a more comprehensive consideration of the problem. These methods can significantly increase the number of ideas put forward and increase the productivity of this process. However, for solving complex inventive and nonstandard business problems based on contradictions, these methods are ineffective.

The most famous methods of psychological activation:

• Brainstorm
• Brainstorming
• Shadow Brainstorming
• Shipboard advice
• Focal object method
• Analogies. Synectics
• Method "Receptions analogies"
• RVS operator
• Conference of ideas
• The method of little men
• The method of garlands of associations and metaphors
• The Six Hats Thinking Method
• Coaching Method

Systematic search methods

• Checklist
• Morphological analysis
• Functional analysis
• Matchett's functional design method
• Focal object method
• The method of garlands of associations and metaphors
• Multiple sequential classification method
• Method of synthesis of optimal forms
• The method of systemic economic analysis and elementwise development of constructive solutions
• Method "Five Why"

Directed search methods

• Functional-physical method of search design R. Koller
• Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ)

Management methods

• Six Sigma Method
• Method "Seven tools of quality management"
• Method "Seven basic tools of quality control"
• Method "ABC-analysis"
• Lean Production Method
• PDPC Method
• Method "Checklist"
• Delphi Method
• Scatter Chart Method
• Affinity Chart Method
• Connection Diagram Method
• Pareto Chart Method
• Method "Histograms"
• Ishikawa Chart Method
• Method "Control Cards"
• Priority Matrix Method
• Method "Model Kano"
• Method "Outsourcing"
• Method "Parallel engineering development"
• Policy Deployment method
• Method "Protection against errors"
• Method of analyzing the types and consequences of failures
• Method "ABC"
• Benchmarking Method
• Taguchi methods
• Arrow Chart Method
• Method "Strategic maps"