ABSTRACT
A variety of techniques are considered, including checklists, listing, morphological analysis, brainstorming, and aspects of lateral thinking. If the subject of a problem has one or more easily identifiable dimensions, most of these techniques may be useful tools for helping to generate ideas. Problem-solution checklists are a simple method of preventing the oversight of obvious solutions to a problem. They also enable previous solutions to be adapted to current problems. In order to be effective, the technique is best used as a supplement to more open-ended techniques. Attribute listing is a good technique for ensuring that all possible aspects of a problem have been examined. Attribute listing involves breaking the problem down into smaller and smaller bits and seeing what can be discovered as a result. Brainstorming is perhaps the most popular of the creative problem solving techniques. Brainstorming can be used to help find solutions to many different kinds of open-ended problem.
