RANDOM INPUT

The random inputs method is a powerful lateral thinking technique which is widely used to create new ideas and new concepts. You apply a word to the new “out of context” situation and create an association that generates new connections and new insights in our mind. The brain is very good at making connections, even when a word (or any random input) appears to be remote and does not stimulate the necessary inputs.
Creative thinking usually begins from a brand new starting point. However, the stimulus word cannot be random, otherwise it would be influenced by previous thinking.

You can get get random words without thinking through many ways:

1. Make up your own list of 60 words (fire, desk, shoes, nose, dog, aircraft, toast, tiger, etc.). When you need a random input, look at your watch and take note of the seconds. Use this number to get the word on your list;
2. Use a dictionary. Think of a page and of the word position on the page (e.g.: eighth word from the top);
3. Once a Canadian made a big plastic sphere with 13 thousand words inside. Mix words by turning a handle and your random word finally appears on a small window;
4. Close your eyes, point at one name randomly in a magazine or a book: this is your random word.

The random inputs technique is very useful in the following situations:

Stagnation: when you feel to have run out of ideas;

Clean Sweep (or open field thinking): when you get stuck on a new project;

Further inputs: when you generate new inputs to find out new settings;

Stalemale: when you try to get out of a stalemale.

It is especially useful when you resort to open field thinking, e.g. invention, planning, opportunities development and future forecasts.

This technique can be used by individuals or in group.

(Source: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative)

CLASS	C
PHASE	Idea Generation
DESCRIPTION	The random inputs method is a powerful lateral thinking technique which is widely used to create new ideas and new concepts. You apply a word to the new “out of context” situation and create an association that generates new connections and new insights in our mind. The brain is very good at making connections, even when a word (or any random input) appears to be remote and does not stimulate the necessary inputs. Creative thinking usually begins from a brand new starting point. However, the stimulus word cannot be random, otherwise it would be influenced by previous thinking. You can get get random words without thinking through many ways: 1. Make up your own list of 60 words (fire, desk, shoes, nose, dog, aircraft, toast, tiger, etc.). When you need a random input, look at your watch and take note of the seconds. Use this number to get the word on your list; 2. Use a dictionary. Think of a page and of the word position on the page (e.g.: eighth word from the top); 3. Once a Canadian made a big plastic sphere with 13 thousand words inside. Mix words by turning a handle and your random word finally appears on a small window; 4. Close your eyes, point at one name randomly in a magazine or a book: this is your random word. The random inputs technique is very useful in the following situations: Stagnation: when you feel to have run out of ideas; Clean Sweep (or open field thinking): when you get stuck on a new project; Further inputs: when you generate new inputs to find out new settings; Stalemale: when you try to get out of a stalemale. It is especially useful when you resort to open field thinking, e.g. invention, planning, opportunities development and future forecasts. This technique can be used by individuals or in group. (Source: http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative)
CORRELATE TECHNIQUES	BRUTETHINK
REFERENCES	De Bono E., Serious Creativity Using the Power Lateral Thinking to Create New Ideas, The McQuaig Group, 1992.