Tools for implementing ideas

Creative tools > Tools for implementing ideas

Perhaps the hardest stage of creative problem solving is getting other people to buy into your idea. Here are some methods you can use. You can also use general idea-creating tools.

• Adoption Checklist: A checklist of what leads to adoption.
• CATWOE: A checklist for thinking about problems and solutions.
• ChangingMinds: The ultimate persuasion website.
• A Day In The Life Of...: Imagining how your solution will be used.
• Diffusion Lifecycle: Spreading ideas one group at a time.
• Force-field Analysis: Exploring forces that will support or oppose the idea.
• Head, Heart and Hands: Get all three systems of motivation engaged.
• How-How Diagram: Build plan by repeatedly asking 'how'.
• Mind-mapping: Use a mind-map to build a plan.
• Positives, Negatives: Look at both problems resolved and benefits gained.
• Purposing: Finding the real purpose of how the idea will be used.
• Remembrance: Remembering solutions not yet discovered.
• Reverse Planning: Working backwards from a perfect future.
• Role-play: Become other people you must persuade. Let them tell you what to say.
• Rubber-ducking: Talk about the problems you are facing to someone else.
• Six Thinking Hats: Look at the the idea from the viewpoint of your customers.
• Storyboarding: Creating a visual story to explore or explain.
• Why not?: Challenge objections and assumptions.