Here is a small selection of techniques: Random Input Problem Reversal Ask Questions Applied Imagination - Question Summary Lateral Thinking Six Thinking Hats The Discontinuity Principle Checklists Brainstorming Forced Relationships/Analogy Attribute Listing Morphological Analysis Imitation Mindmapping Storyboarding Synectics Metaphorical thinking Lotus Blossum Technique In the realm of the senses Use of drawing (from Robert McKim's Experiences in Visual Thinking IdeaToons (by Michael Michalko) NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Techniques Assumption Smashing DO IT! method of Roger Olsen LARC Method Unconscious Problem Solving Simplex - a "complete" process with three stages (finding problems,solving problems, implementing solutions) and eight discrete steps represented as a wheel to reflect the circular, perennial nature of problem solving. The full name is the Basadur Simplex process. Its eight steps include: problem finding, fact finding, problem defining, idea finding, evaluating and selecting, action planning, gaining acceptance, and taking action. The t The TRIZ method of Semyon D. Savransky Fuzzy Thinking Some further examples of creativity techniques and guidelines linked with historical examples. Breakthrough Thinking - The seven steps of uniqueness, purpose, solution after next, systems, needed information collection, people design, and betterment timeline.