It is very easy when trying to think creatively to end up with the obvious ideas that don't really help. Edward de Bono developed the 'Concept Fan' technique of taking a step back to get a broader perspective and thereby a new view of the problem and new ways of solving the problem.
Concept Fan:
1. To start a Concept Fan, draw a circle on a large piece of paper (A3 paper or White Board), just right of centre. Write the problem you are trying to solve into it. To the right of it radiate lines representing possible solutions to the problem. As shown in Figure 1 below.
2. It may be that the first ideas generated are impractical, unremarkable, or do not really solve the problem. If this is the case, take a 'step back' for a broader view of the problem. Do this by drawing a circle to the left of the first circle, and write the broader definition into this new circle. Link it with an arrow to show that it comes from the first circle as in Figure 2.
3. Use this as the starting point to radiate out new ideas as in Figure 3.
4. If this does not give you the idea you are looking for then repeat the process and take another step back as in Figure 4.
