Lost Swordfish Blog
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The Third Story
Consider the impartial perspective. We’re often blind to our own assumptions, and our perceptions are colored by our insider understanding. What might someone with no knowledge or bias think?
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Critical Mass
A critical mass is a self-sustaining chain reaction. What could we do to create a viral effect whereby the idea spreads itself? How might we make it remarkable or useful enough to become its own amplifier?
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Social Proof
As tribal creatures, we want validation before we act. How can we create and communicate social buy-in? Could the crowd itself contribute in some way? Is there a way to provide a social feedback loop, testimonials, or other social validation?
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First Principals
Define the base principles to reason more clearly. Question what’s actually fundamental to bring the problem (and solution) into sharper relief. What unnecessary assumptions are being made? What if we had to make everything from scratch?
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The Pareto Principle
About 80% of the output tends to come from 20% of the input. How might we optimise by focussing on the most relevant factors? How can we design for the primary audience or most valuable outcome?
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Write A Clear Brief
Failing to provide a clear and compelling brief does not, contrary to popular opinion, ‘open up’ creativity. Use the briefing template at schoolofthought.org/brief or at least provide a clear objective in the form of a single simple sentence
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Another’s Shoes
Meta-brainstorm different perspectives and archetypes that might be relevant for your particular situation. For example, if you have a marketing problem you might suggest different kinds of customers and business stakeholders. Then generate ideas from their perspectives.
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Imagine You’re The Artist
How might different kinds of artists interpret this problem? Brainstorm from the perspective of a visual artist, thespian, fashion designer, advertising creative, product designer, UX designer, or poet.
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Imagine You’re The Disruptor
Pretend you’re an entrepreneur who is aiming to shake up the industry or status quo with a new vision for what might be. What would a disruptor do to challenge the existing order with a new take on things? How could you forge a new path?