PO (Lateral Thinking Provocation)
PO is a lateral thinking technique where information is used not for its literal meaning but for its provocative effect, allowing unreasonable juxtapositions to stimulate new ideas. It differs from hypothesis, possibility, or supposition by enabling totally unreasonable arrangements.
THE IDEA
Similarity of PO to other words
It may be felt that some of the functions of PO are very similar to those carried out by such words as hypothesis, possible, suppose and poetry. There are some functions of PO which are indeed similar, for instance the semi-certainty function. But there are other functions of PO which are quite different, for instance the juxtaposition of totally unrelated material. Hypothesis, possible and suppose are very weak relations of PO. They cover arrangements of information which seem very reasonable but cannot quite be proved. They are tolerable guesses at the best arrangement of information at the moment. PO in contrast allows information to be used in ways which are totally unreasonable. The most important difference is that with these words the information is used for its own sake even if the use is tentative. With PO however the information is not used for its own sake but for its effect. Perhaps the most similar word is poetry where words are used not so much for their own meaning as for their stimulating effect.
When to use it
Brainstorming sessions where conventional ideas are exhausted and new perspectives are needed.
Overcoming cognitive fixation in design, engineering, or scientific research by challenging assumptions.
Teaching creative thinking to students by encouraging them to make deliberately unreasonable propositions.
Strategic planning when market conditions change drastically and existing mental models no longer apply.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Juxtaposing unrelated concepts
In a brainstorming session, you might say 'PO, what if cars were made of water?' This isn't a hypothesis to be tested, but a provocation to break existing mental patterns and generate new ideas (e.g., water-based propulsion, flexible containers).
Using PO in problem-solving
When stuck on a design problem, a team member says 'PO, the product should be invisible.' This unreasonable statement forces the group to think beyond current constraints, leading to innovations like transparent materials or minimalist design.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a time when an unreasonable idea led to a useful insight? How might using PO have accelerated that process?
How can you deliberately introduce a PO statement into a team discussion to break fixed patterns of thinking?
What is the difference between using information for its literal meaning versus using it for its provocative effect? Give a personal example.
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)