These methods aim to feed our mind with new inputs
to make our thinking really creative.
There are two different sensitization techniques:
- layer technique;
- thread technique;
Layer technique
This technique is about putting together a number of statements or remarks
that are “all in one” (the so called layer set). These elements
are not necessarily connected: indeed, layer techniques only aim to
sensitize our mind to generate new ideas.
De Bono (1998) split up layer technique into five statements which are
enough to ensure a number of sentences but at the same time do not prevent
layer method to be “all in one”.
The method suggests to break down a layer and read it over and over
again to let ideas flow into our mind.
This technique is less efficient if layer sentences are selected among
existing ideas. On the contrary, if layer sentences are expressed unconsciously,
they can turn into conscious ideas. The choice of layer statements is
therefore essential: they are to be concise and include a wide range
of possibilities.
Example 1: Layer example for recruiting highly qualified
personnel
“...highly qualified people are satisfied
with their present job
...they find it hard to evaluate their future presence
...they have a good balance between personality and skills
...if they are ready to accept things, maybe they are also ready to
leave
...fix a fair price for talented people.
These thoughts could lead to the following ideas:
1. it is easier to train talented people than to recruit promising
talents;
2. consider the recruitement of well paid talented people only as
a temporary solution to make some structural change;
3. turn to advisers rather than full time employees;
4. turn to advisers and give them the opportunity to stay if they
are skilled;
5. find the way to borrow people for some time and then let them go
back to their actual jobs (after gaining some experience).”
(De Bono, 1998)
Thread technique
First of all, choose your creativity focus. Then, arrange
details when you are planning solutions about the relevant focus in
a given situation. Each detail will be considered on its own out of
its generating context. Starting from details, develop a “thread”
which corresponds to the problem solving approach. Find out parallel
threads, select some of their patterns and combine them in a new idea.
Example 2: example of a thread for bank
planning:
“...easy to reach: round the corner,
in a department store, near bus or underground stops, in a sport center.
...big enough: large, barrier free, room for queues and extra room
for emergencies.
...excellent planimetric placement: room for people moving, waiting,
working; clear signboards, no bottlenecks, easy to get in and out.
...enough personnel: no problems at rush hours, flexible operations,
reserve personnel in case of need...
In this case we would select some items and combine them on purpose
to force an idea. In particular we would select: near bus or underground
stops, extra room for emergencies, clear signboards and flexible operations.
These items generate the idea of caravans fit out as banks which can
be temporarily placed in different areas according to our needs. In
case of need, other caravans can be used. Bank services are chosen
each time according to particular needs. These caravans could be placed
in parking areas.
So the thread technique can be used in two ways:
1. You generate ideas starting from threads
and letting ideas flow freely;
2. You force idea generation combining some items and trying to develop
new ideas.” (De Bono, 1998)