Assume The Absurd

Creative Problem Solving Course

Want more creative ideas? Assume the absurd.

The problem solving technique of "assuming the absurd" is a twist on the basic assumption-challenging technique. The advantage is that it tends to get you thinking more imaginatively - at least it will if you play along. The easiest way to start with this technique is with "what if" questions.

Are you tired of carrying that heavy backpack in the wilderness? Why not ask the absurd question, "What if the backpack carried itself?" A helium balloon comes to mind, or wheels that can handle rough trails. Actually, that last one just hit the market. The "Wheelpacker" attaches to your back and lets you pull the pack down the trail behind you, using a modified bicycle wheel.

"What if we sold our cereal below cost?"

Absurd! Then again, if the revenue was made up by selling advertising space on the box, it might be even more profitable. "Raisin-Ads: Now with more advertising!" (Feel free to steal these ideas.)

"What if I just quit my job and didn't look for another?"

I really did ask myself this question - and I quit my job. It gave me the time and motivation to write this book, and to develop an internet business that pays the bills. Maybe you could put an ad in the paper and let the jobs look for you?

"What if lights produced sound instead of light?"

Could be a nifty product for people who are blind. Using the sounds, they could orient themselves in a room, or follow a hallway easily.

If it's difficult to dream up absurd "what ifs," start with opposites. For example, if you need to increase sales, just say "how could decreasing sales be better?" That might lead to the idea of dropping non-profitable customers and squeezing more profit out of good customers.

Naturally, increasing sales and getting more profit per sale is even better, and that brings up an important point: There's no need to prove that your absurd assumption is better than existing ones. just learn what you can from it and use it how it is usable - if it is.

These techniques trigger your imagination, and give you new ideas. If an absurd "what if" question gets you nowhere, just drop it after a minute and move on to another. It's absurd to think you can get good ideas from every question. But then again...

Some absurd assumptions for you to practice with. Try to think of a couple ways to "make sense" of each one. In other words, make it into something not so absurd, and possibly useful.

How could you make a million dollars in two years if your life depended on it?

What if employees paid employers to work for them?

What if problems solved themselves?

Why would someone buy a car that didn't run?

What if you could train a dog to drive a car?

How could you get richer by giving things away?

What if you loved your neighbor as yourself?

How could you tell a story without words or pictures?

I sometimes give away these course and even ebooks. One day I was trying to decide if I should give away a new ebook I had written, in order to promote my web site, or sell it. I asked the silly-seeming question, what if I do both? It gave me the idea to give away the book a chapter at a time (50 chapters), while letting impatient readers buy it all at once. I was surprised when I saw the first sales come in. Believe it or not, I now have several books that I give away, and they sell as well. Assume the absurd.

Problem Solving 101 | Assume The Absurd