Creative problem-solving requires two opposite mental modes: explosion and implosion. These ten toolkits help you systematically expand possibilities then contract to solutions, avoiding the trap of premature convergence while preventing endless divergence.
1. The Expansion-Contraction Timer
How to apply it: Strictly separate divergent and convergent phases with time boundaries.
The timing method: Phase 1: Diverge (expand options)
- No judgment allowed
- Quantity over quality
- Wild ideas welcomed
- Build on everything
Phase 2: Converge (narrow options)
- Judgment required
- Quality over quantity
- Practical constraints
- Select best ideas
Timing ratios: Simple problems: 20 min diverge, 10 min converge Complex problems: 2 hours diverge, 1 hour converge Major decisions: Days diverge, hours converge
Your timer: Problem complexity: _____ Divergent time: _____ Convergent time: _____ No mixing phases: _____
Think: "Mixing modes kills both—diverge fully, then converge completely"
2. The Yes-And Multiplier
How to apply it: Use "yes, and" to expand ideas during divergent phase.
The multiplication method: Idea presented Respond: "Yes, and..." Build on it Generate more
Multiplier examples: "Remote work" → "Yes, and from anywhere in world" "Yes, and while traveling" → "Yes, and with team meetups" "Yes, and in different time zones" → "Yes, and async everything"
Killer phrases to avoid:
- "Yes, but..." (convergent thinking)
- "That won't work because..." (premature judgment)
- "We tried that..." (historical limits)
Your multiplier: Initial idea: _____ Yes, and: _____ Yes, and: _____ Yes, and: _____
Think: "But kills ideas, and multiplies them—stay in expansion mode"
3. The Criteria Clarifier
How to apply it: Before converging, establish clear evaluation criteria.
The clarification method: End divergent phase Pause before convergent Define success criteria Apply systematically
Criteria categories:
- Must have (non-negotiable)
- Should have (important)
- Could have (nice additions)
- Won't have (boundaries)
Your clarifier: Must have: _____ Should have: _____ Could have: _____ Won't have: _____ Now evaluate ideas
Think: "Unclear criteria create biased selection—clarify before choosing"
4. The Quantity Quota Setter
How to apply it: Set minimum idea quotas to prevent premature convergence.
The quota method: Set ambitious target Generate that many minimum Only then evaluate Forces exhaustive exploration
Quota guidelines: Simple problem: 20 ideas minimum Complex problem: 50 ideas minimum Strategic decision: 100 options minimum
Quota benefits:
- Prevents first-idea fixation
- Forces creative stretching
- Reveals unexpected options
- Builds idea confidence
Your quota: Problem: _____ Minimum ideas: _____ Actually generated: _____ Best idea position: _____ (usually after #20)
Think: "First ideas are obvious—set quotas to reach breakthrough territory"
5. The Assumption Eliminator
How to apply it: Remove constraints during divergent phase, add back during convergent.
The elimination method: List all assumptions Temporarily remove each Generate ideas without limits Add constraints back when converging
Assumption examples: "Must be profitable" → Explore loss leaders "Must use existing team" → Consider outsourcing "Must launch this year" → Consider timing options "Must be perfect" → Consider MVP approaches
Your eliminator: Assumptions limiting: _____ Removed temporarily: _____ New possibilities: _____ Reality added back: _____
Think: "Assumptions limit imagination—remove to explore, restore to execute"
6. The Forced Connection Maker
How to apply it: Force connections between unrelated ideas to create hybrids.
The connection method: Idea A + Idea B = Hybrid C Force combination Even if seems impossible New solutions emerge
Connection examples: Uber + Healthcare = House calls Netflix + Education = Skill streaming Airbnb + Coworking = Space sharing Amazon + Groceries = Instant delivery
Your connector: Idea 1: _____ Idea 2: _____ Forced connection: _____ Hybrid solution: _____
Think: "Best solutions are idea marriages—force connections between strangers"
7. The Devil's Advocate Rotator
How to apply it: Systematically attack each idea from different perspectives during convergence.
The rotation method: Each idea gets challenged by:
- Customer perspective
- Competitor perspective
- Resource perspective
- Risk perspective
- Implementation perspective
Rotation questions: Customer: "Why would they care?" Competitor: "How would they respond?" Resource: "Can we actually do this?" Risk: "What could go wrong?" Implementation: "How would this work?"
Your rotator: Top idea: _____ Customer challenge: _____ Competitor threat: _____ Resource gap: _____ Risk identified: _____
Think: "Unopposed ideas are untested—rotate attacks to strengthen survivors"
8. The Energy Investment Calculator
How to apply it: Evaluate ideas based on energy required versus impact delivered.
The calculation method: For each idea: Energy needed (1-10) Impact potential (1-10) Calculate ratio: Impact ÷ Energy
Energy factors:
- Time required
- Money needed
- People involved
- Skill gaps
- Complexity level
Your calculator: Idea: _____ Energy needed: ___/10 Impact potential: ___/10 Ratio: _____ Priority ranking: _____
Think: "Energy is finite—maximize impact per unit invested"
9. The Prototype Validator
How to apply it: Create quick tests for promising ideas before full commitment.
The validation method: Select top 3 ideas Create minimum viable test Get real feedback Let data guide final decision
Prototype types:
- Landing page (test interest)
- Paper prototype (test usability)
- Role play (test process)
- Survey (test demand)
- Pilot program (test execution)
Your validator: Idea to test: _____ Prototype method: _____ Success metric: _____ Test result: _____
Think: "Opinions are cheap, data is expensive—prototype to validate"
10. The Implementation Roadmapper
How to apply it: Map implementation path for final selections.
The roadmapping method: Selected solution Break into phases Identify dependencies Create timeline Assign resources
Roadmap elements: Phase 1: Quick wins (build momentum) Phase 2: Foundation building Phase 3: Scale and optimization Dependencies: What must happen first Milestones: Decision/review points
Your roadmapper: Final solution: _____ Phase 1: _____ Phase 2: _____ Phase 3: _____ First step: _____
Think: "Great ideas need great execution—map the journey from concept to reality"
Integration System
Divergent sessions: Use timer + quotas + yes-and Transition: Clarify criteria + remove assumptions Convergent sessions: Use devil's advocate + energy calculator Validation: Prototype + roadmap
The creative formula: Timed expansion + Quota-driven generation + Criteria-based evaluation + Prototype validation = Creative mastery
Evolution:
- Session 1: Learning the modes
- Month 1: Natural phase switching
- Month 6: Advanced technique mastery
- Year 1: Creative problem-solving expert
Master divergent-convergent thinking: Expand like there are no limits, contract like resources are scarce—master both to master creativity.
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