More About Brainstorming

Some questions you can use to stimulate creative thinking during Phase 3 time (or at any time!):

Other Uses for an Item:
- Can it be put to other uses as is?
- Can it be put to other uses if it is modified?

Adaptation:
- What else is like it?
- What other ideas does it suggest?
- What could you copy?
- Whom could you imitate?

Modification:
- What new twist can you make?
- Can you change the color, size, shape, motion, sound, form, odor, etc?

Magnification:
- What could you add?
- Can you add more time, strength, height, length, thickness, value?
- Can you duplicate or exaggerate it?

Minimization:
- Can you make it smaller, shorter, lighter, lower?
- Can you divide it up or omit certain parts?

Substitution:
- Who else can do it?
- What can be used instead?
- Can you use other ingredients or materials?
- Can you use another source of power, another place, another process?
- Can you use another tone of voice?

Rearrangement:
- Can you interchange parts?
- Can you use a different plan, pattern, or sequence?
- Can you change the schedule or rearrange cause and effect?

Reversibility:
- Can you turn it backward or upside down?
- Can you reverse roles or do the opposite?

Combination:
- Can you combine parts or ideas?
- Can you blend things together?

Encourage students to reflect on their creative thinking processes by asking questions such as:

- What do you think about it?
- Do you feel good about it?
- Would you like to work on it some more?
- Why do you like (or dislike) it?
- What things (criteria) are important to you?

(adapted from Arnold, 1962)