This technique is very useful during the predisposition
phase which includes all activities that underlie creative thinking.
New ideas. They are not innovative
ideas, as they are already used within other organizations, apart
from your company.
Original ideas. They can carry
their inventor’s name and do not refer to similar or previous
ideas but to specific goals of a given sector or file items.
Positive comments. They are
comments coming out from “white hat” thoughts which support
an idea presented in the file while adding new information or experience
to this idea. They are also comments or suggestions about the alternatives
or changes contained in the file (green hat). However, negative comments
should be left out (black hat), unless they give interesting problem
solving hints.
New creative focusing. They
can be presented as problems, tasks, opportunities and so on, which
should be particularly stressed, so that executives can remark them
immediately.
The file is read and supplemented
with suggestions, comments and hints; then it is forwarded to the
next reader. If it becomes too bulky, further files can be created,
together with a list of the desired information.
File Cloud “9” offers many advantages:
1. It is a system which regularly
reminds you to think in a creative way.
2. It is a source of creative goals.
3. It presents ideas and concepts to be contrasted.
4. It is a simple communication channel.
5. It gives you the real value of ideas and suggestions.
File Cloud “9” is an
opportunity. You are not forced to write down your ideas; on the contrary,
you can just read the file and forward it to the next reader, without
adding your thoughts.” (De Bono, 1998)