ABSTRACT
This chapter is dedicated to the many techniques and tools that usually are employed to generate ideas and organize basic information. These various techniques and tools are addressed separately; however, in the context of problem-solving, more than one tool may be used while techniques are employed. The techniques such as brainstorming and multi-voting are generic in nature; these can be used holistically across different segments of a problem-solving journey. The tools such as the affinity diagram, tree diagram, SIPOC diagram, process flow chart, and cause and effect diagram are discussed more in the context of industrial problem-solving. A close look at the examples will help the reader understand the subject matter. A critical reading of the text will enable the reader to formulate ways to generate fruitful ideas, conduct successful brainstorming and multi-voting sessions, avoid red herrings and avoid becoming distracted when capturing ideas and opinions, and to reintegrate ideas into a workable cause and effect diagram that encapsulates all opinions.
