Assumptions

Creative Problem Solving Course

Assumptions rule our brains. Change assumptions, and you get to think in new ways.

The most difficult part about challenging assumptions is identifying all the assumptions that we so easily and subtly make. Learn to do this, though, and you'll have some truly creative ideas and effect solutions.

To start, get a pen and paper. To demonstrate this process in action, we will assume the following scenario: You own a bicycle manufacturing company, and you want to create a new product to sell.

Now, what do you do to get some new and really creative ideas to explore? Write down all your assumptions. These might include the following:

1. People buy bicycles to get from here to there.
2. Bicycles need wheels.
3. Bicycles need two wheels.
4. They have to be powered by a persons legs
5. We have to sell them.
6. They need to be made of metal.
7. We need a new product.

When you are done you should have a list much longer than this one. Don't hesitate to write down even the most obvious "truths." When you are done, you can begin challenging each assumption on the list.

1. Does a bicycle need wheels? You imagine a "bike" with skis that hydroplanes on water when you pedal fast enough. You jot the idea down.

2. Does the rider have to go somewhere? A bike that goes nowhere? Maybe an exercise bike that runs a TV set? You only get to watch TV when you are pedaling. A video game that is controlled by riding a stationary bicycle?

3. Four wheels? What are the advantages? Where is the market? You write down anything that comes to mind.

4. Why only leg power? A pedaling device for use with the hands? A new mini-motor for bikes?

5. Not sell them? Maybe rent them. Maybe the water-bike from above would be a good beach rental. Sell to vendors, who rent to the ultimate consumer.

6. What are the alternatives to metal? What are the advantages of fiberglass or plastic?

7. Do you really need a new product? What if you drop the whole idea of a new product? Maybe there is more money to be made marketing the existing products in new ways. That would save the cost of retooling. You write down some new ideas on marketing your existing bikes.

You may have noticed that number seven challenges the problem itself. Challenging your primary assumption, or the very definition of the problem, can often yield the most useful ideas. Of course, it can be tough to identify these "hidden" assumptions.

You may not normally think to add to your list the assumption, "I have to solve this." Doing so could lead you to the realization that delegating it to the engineers would be the best way to go. Look for all the assumptions to get the widest variety and the most solutions.

Problem Solving 101 | Assumptions