Explore
Forced Connections
Combining your problem with an unrelated object or idea to spark new concepts.
What is Forced Connections?
Combining your problem with an unrelated object or idea to spark new concepts.
What you learn
Borrow a feature from something unrelated, and make it work.
When it helps
familiar references keep producing familiar ideas.
Use it at work
- Pick a random object or word.
- List three of its features.
- Apply each feature to your problem.
- Keep the ideas that would actually work, and develop them.
Your output
When ideas feel familiar, pick a random object. List three of its features and try each one on your problem.
Watch for
Taking ideas only from familiar sources, or keeping forced links as gimmicks.
Related practices
Sources
- Random Object Creativity Technique
- Allow Your Ideas to Have Sex with Other Ideas to Create New Ideas
- Thinkertoys — publisher contents and introduction
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