• Exaggerate That [39]
• Law Breaker [50]
• Turn Around [52]
Procedure
1. Distribute the handout, review it with the participants, and answer any questions they may have.
2. Instruct the groups to state their problems simply and clearly and write them on a flip chart for all to see.
3. Read the following aloud: “Reverse the direction of your problem statement. This reversal doesn’t have to be a direct reversal of any particular problem aspect. You may change the verb, the goal, or any words in the definition. Thus, reversal is defined broadly as any change in a problem statement.”
4. Tell them to write down on a flip chart each reversal as a new (possibly sillysounding) problem statement, beginning with the phrase, “How might we. . .? 5. Direct them to use each reversal as a stimulus for new ideas, write the ideas on Post-it® Notes, and place them on a flip chart for evaluation.
Debrief/Discussion
Reversals have great potential for all-purpose idea generation. They provide an easy way to “force” people to view an initial problem differently. They figuratively force one out of a current “thinking box” and into another with the ability to trigger new ideas. You may want to emphasize that a reversal, as used in this exercise, does not have to be a direct or literal change. Changing any aspect of a problem often is all that is required.
Also consider having participants debrief using the following questions:
• What was most helpful about this exercise?
• What was most challenging?
• What can we apply?
• How would you rate the value of this exercise to helping us with this issue?
• Will this exercise be helpful in the future for other sessions?
• What did you learn?
• What will we be able to use from this exercise?
• What ideas were generated, and which ones were most interesting?
Problem Reversals Handout
Suppose you want to design a new soda can. Possible reversals include the following problem statements, each beginning with the same phrase. How might we design . . .
• an old soda can (classic picture or bottle shape)?
• a soda bottle?
• a soda can?
• a new beer can?
• a new trash can?
Next, use these reversals to help think of ideas:
• Acan with a classic logo or picture
• Acan in the shape of a bottle
• Acan that decomposes after use
• Acan with two compartments, with one side containing soda and one beer
• Acan that beeps after being emptied until it is deposited in a recycling bin. The beeping stops after sensors are activated when the can is placed in the bin.
Taken From : Pfeiffer 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity
