One of the problems with brainstorming is that we tend to still be influenced by our biases and existing beliefs, to an extent that we’re not even aware of. To come up with truly valuable ideas, we need to figuratively whack ourselves upside the head, using a variety of techniques to lead our thinking in new directions.
The mind map above (click on the image to view a larger, expanded version) is a compilation of techniques that creativity expert Michael Michalko recommends in his fascinating new book, Creative Tinkering: Putting Your Imagination to Work, that are guaranteed to inject some serendipity into your next brainstorming session. In other words, randomness, fresh inputs and disruptive bits designed to stimulate your imagination.
Michalko is the author of my all-time favorite book of creativity techniques, Thinkertoys. I’m excited to see that he has published this new book, and I can’t wait to dig into it!
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