About

Cognitive fixation often hinders the creative process when teams or individuals circle the same tired solutions. Lateral thinking requires external stimuli to force the brain out of established neural pathways. This tool generates randomized prompts based on proven ideation frameworks like SCAMPER, Role-Storming, and Biomimicry. By introducing arbitrary constraints or unrelated concepts it triggers association mechanisms in the brain allowing for the emergence of novel and non-obvious ideas. Use this for product development meetings, writing prompts, or strategic problem-solving sessions.

Formulas

While not mathematical in nature, creativity often follows a combinatory logic where the quality of ideas (Q) is a function of the volume of generated ideas (V) and the diversity of stimuli (S).

Creativity ∝ f(Volume, Stimuli, Constraints)

Reference Data

Method	Description	Best Application
SCAMPER	Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Reverse.	Improving existing products or processes.
Role-Storming	Adopting the persona of a different person (e.g., Steve Jobs, a Toddler).	Empathy mapping and UX design.
Biomimicry	Emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies.	Sustainable engineering and structural design.
What If?	Posing extreme hypothetical scenarios.	Disruptive innovation and risk planning.
Sensory	Focusing on sound, touch, smell, and sight.	Physical product design and marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not judge the prompt. Even if it seems absurd force yourself to write down at least three ideas that connect your problem to the prompt. The goal is quantity not quality in the initial phase.

SCAMPER is an acronym for seven techniques: Substitute Combine Adapt Modify Put to another use Eliminate and Reverse. It provides specific angles to attack a problem.

Yes. Project the tool on a screen. Generate a prompt and give the team 2 minutes of silent writing time before sharing. This prevents "groupthink" where the loudest voice dominates.

Constraints force the brain to work harder and find efficient paths. Infinite resources often lead to lazy thinking whereas limited resources lead to ingenious workarounds.