2 - Deep Dive: Divergent Thinking Techniques

Divergent thinking emphasizes quantity of ideas, lateral associations, and deferring critique until all possibilities are on the table. We focus on two cornerstone techniques:

SCAMPER—developed by Bob Eberle in the 1970s—is grounded in heuristic-based creativity, where each prompt serves as a mental shortcut to modify or recombine elements of a concept. Below, we elaborate each prompt with theory, example, and guided practice.

1. Substitute (Heuristic: Replace parts or roles)
   ○ Theory: Substitution prompts you to question the assumption that current components are optimal.
   ○ Expanded Example: A standard plastic water bottle could substitute plastic for biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) or repurposed ocean plastic. Consider substituting a screw cap with a flip-top lid for faster access.
   ○ Practice Task: Choose an everyday stationery item and list five substitution ideas, including materials, colors, or user roles (e.g., designer vs. end-user).

1. Combine (Heuristic: Merge functions)
   ○ Theory: Combining disparate functions can lead to hybrid products that address multiple user needs. This aligns with integrative thinking models.
   ○ Expanded Example: A backpack that integrates a Bluetooth speaker and solar panel strip to charge devices while on the move.
   ○ Practice Task: Combine two unrelated classroom tools (e.g., highlighter + stapler) to propose three novel multitools.

1. Adapt (Heuristic: Transfer across contexts)
   ○ Theory: Adaptation borrows successful features from one domain to another, akin to biomimicry in nature.
   ○ Expanded Example: Adapting the self-winding mechanism of automatic watches to develop a self-charging flashlight powered by hand movement.
   ○ Practice Task: Identify a biological system (e.g., lotus leaf water repellency) and describe two design adaptations for consumer products.

1. Modify (Magnify/Miniaturize) (Heuristic: Change scale or form)
   ○ Theory: Changing scale can uncover ergonomic or production advantages; magnification highlights detail, miniaturization enhances portability.
   ○ Expanded Example: A large conference table designed to collapse into individual laptop desks for flexible classroom use.
   ○ Practice Task: Take a common school locker and propose two magnifications (e.g., transform into a hallway seating unit) and two miniaturizations (e.g., personal desk locker).

1. Put to Other Use (Heuristic: Recontextualize purpose)
   ○ Theory: This prompt challenges the functional fixedness cognitive bias by forcing you to reconceive utility.
   ○ Expanded Example: Using deflated basketballs as floor padding in gym shoe change areas.
   ○ Practice Task: List five alternative uses for a discarded T‑shirt beyond apparel.

1. Eliminate (Minify) (Heuristic: Simplify and streamline)
   ○ Theory: Lean design principles emphasize eliminating waste—excess materials, steps, or features.
   ○ Expanded Example: A pen with no cap but an internal retractable tip to reduce lost caps and plastic waste.
   ○ Practice Task: Choose a complex desktop item (e.g., multi-button mouse) and suggest three elimination-based redesigns.

1. Reverse (Rearrange) (Heuristic: Invert assumptions)
   ○ Theory: Reversal disrupts standard sequences, unveiling non-obvious improvements.
   ○ Expanded Example: A bookshelf whose shelves slide downward rather than supporting books from beneath, enabling gravity-assisted organization.
   ○ Practice Task: Reverse the user sequence in using a water fountain; sketch two concepts where water collection and dispensing functions swap order.

Additional Reflections: After completing SCAMPER for an object of your choice, analyze which prompts yielded the most viable ideas and why. This metacognitive step strengthens your heuristic awareness.

Mind-mapping leverages dual coding theory: combining words and imagery enhances memory and idea synthesis. Beyond basic mind-maps, we explore radial clustering and hierarchical mapping.

1. Central Node and Primary Branches
   ○ Start with a keyword or question in the center (e.g., 'Eco-Backpack'). Draw thick lines to 4–6 primary branches: Materials, Users, Features, Aesthetics, Production.

1. Radial Expansion vs. Hierarchical Layers
   ○ Radial Expansion: Equally weight all subtopics, ideal for open exploration.
   ○ Hierarchical Layers: Organize branches by priority or chronology, useful when some factors (e.g., safety) outrank others.

1. Enhancing Recall with Visual Cues
   ○ Employ icons (leaf for sustainability), small color-coded dots, and directional arrows to indicate positive/negative associations.

1. Clustering and Pattern Recognition
   ○ Identify node clusters (e.g., several branches pointing to similar materials), and create new 'theme' nodes for deeper inquiry.

Extended Activity: Using A3 paper, develop a multi-layer mind-map for designing a community garden planter. Create at least 50 nodes, using at least three different colors and hand-drawn icons. Identify three emergent themes.