Channelizing Thinking for Practical Innovations and Measurable Impact

Abstract

Individuals and groups of people have the potential to find creative and innovative solutions to the problems they face. However, this potential usually goes unrealized. Realizing it requires channelization of thoughts using a focused process. This paper introduces a set of seven thinking tools for systematic innovation and describes the evolution of a training workshop called Think! in which the tools were used. It is established that the tools are useful for solving ill-defined or ambiguous problems. The tools are categorized into primary and supporting categories, to aid conduction of effective workshops whose duration ranges from two hours to two days. It is concluded that the tools provide a strong head start to innovation. However, implementation of the generated solutions requires effective post- workshop follow up.