Lateral thinking

A term coined by Edward de Bono, lateral thinking is "out of the box" thinking. Bono suggests that the head-on approach be avoided, and unusual approaches should be used, for example, by reversing the problem statement, or working backwards from an intended goal. He also lists a number of other techniques: Random Entry Idea Generating Tool: Take an object at random, say a noun from a dictionary, and try to make links to the problem. Provocation Idea Generating Tool: for example, wishful thinking, exaggeration, reversal, escape, or distortion. List some provocations and then ask how the most outlandish ones could be relevant. Movement Techniques: State a principle and ask how the opposite principle might apply. Challenge Idea Generating Tool: Ask "Why?" in a non-threatening way: why it is done that way. Concept Fan Idea Generating Tool: Expand the range of concepts involved, to end up with a very broad range of ideas to consider. Disproving: Take the obvious and anything that "goes without saying", and take the opposite view.