ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the subject of synectics. It outlines a method of using synectics and considers the various components that make up the synectics process. Synectics is the most highly refined and universally applicable of all the creative problem-solving techniques. It encourages the use of analogies to make the familiar strange: personal, direct, symbolic and fantasy analogies. The use of analogical thinking in synectics demands some degree of divergent thinking and is therefore most likely to appeal to those who enjoy thinking in a divergent manner. Synectics facilitates paradigm stretching and can lead to the discovery of new paradigms. When every group member has had at least one chance to contribute to the story, the leader stops the imaging and asks the group to replay the story in their mind and try to think up some really absurd or impractical solutions to the problem. The absurd solutions are written up on the flip chart.
