Alternatives (Lateral Thinking)
A thinking tool that involves generating multiple different descriptions or perspectives for a single shape, object, or idea, breaking away from fixed perceptions.
THE IDEA
Alternatives
Generate alternative ways to describe or view the same thing. For example, an L-shaped figure can be seen as:
- An L shape.
- A carpenter’s angle.
- A gallows upside down.
- Half a picture frame.
- Two rectangles placed one against the other.
- A large rectangle with a smaller rectangle subtracted.
Practicing alternative descriptions can help you move beyond a fixed perception. Edward de Bono uses this technique in lateral thinking.
When to use it
Brainstorming during product design to see a feature from multiple user perspectives.
Reframing a personal conflict by listing alternative interpretations of someone's actions.
Developing creative marketing angles for a product by describing it in unexpected ways.
Solving a complex problem by breaking it into different visual or verbal representations.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Viewing an L-shaped figure
An L shape can be described as a carpenter's angle, a gallows upside down, half a picture frame, two rectangles placed together, or a large rectangle with a smaller one subtracted.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a problem you're currently facing. List at least five different ways to describe the core issue.
Pick a common object in your room and describe it in three alternative ways that are not its usual function.
How does generating alternatives change your understanding of a situation compared to accepting the first description?
Often confused with
References
- Lateral Thinking: A Textbook of Creativity — Edward de Bono (1970)
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)