ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews some of the techniques of creative problem solving that can be used. The techniques are: suggestion boxes, exhibits and competitions; cliches, proverbs and maxims; storyboarding; scenario writing; scenario daydreaming; bionics; free association; two words; story writing; mind map; fishbone diagram; lotus blossom technique; TRIZ; vision building; and TOWS matrix. The chapter illustrates many other techniques and discusses various websites and in other books written for the popular press. Many of these techniques are straightforward and would fit into McFadzean's category of paradigm-preserving techniques. Some require more imaginative thinking and could lead to paradigm stretching or even paradigm breaking. Some degree of imagination and divergent thinking might enable the best to be got out of maxims technique. It is unlikely to produce any paradigm breakthroughs but might produce some paradigm stretching. Storyboarding method requires a degree of imagination and can produce paradigm stretching.
