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Random Input Creativity Technique

De Bono Random Words Exercise

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The “random word” technique

  • A powerful lateral-thinking technique that is very easy to use
  • By far the simplest of all creative techniques and is widely used by people who need to create new ideas (e.g., new products)
  • Chance events allow us to enter the existing patterns of our thinking from a different point - the associations of a word applied to the new out of context situation generates new connections in our mind, often producing an instant Eureka effect, insight, or intuition.

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Tips for using the random input creativity technique

  • Use the first word you randomly select
  • Then list the attributes of or associations with the word
  • Then apply each of the attributes or associations on your list and see how it relates to the problem you are trying to solve

How does it work?

The brain is a self-organizing system - it wants to make connections - any random word will stimulate ideas on the subject. Follow the attributes and associations.

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Great! What exactly is an “attribute?”

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at·trib·ute

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Randos: really? Why random words?

  • Random words help to spark your creativity, particularly if you drill down into the attributes, functions, features, and outcomes associated with that random word.
  • For example, the word “car” has the attributes of tires, speed, brakes, driver, racing, passengers, airbags, chrome, engine, exhaust, dashboard, steering wheel, stick shift, gears, traffic, windshields, mirrors, seats, etc.
  • Decomposing a particular word into its elements helps you to understand its functions and meaning better.

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“Drink” and “Egg”

  • Refreshing
  • Cold
  • Alcoholic
  • Social behavior inducing
  • Sweet, sour, bitter, (comes in flavors)
  • On the rocks or blended?
  • Can use a straw - how many other things can you use with a straw?
  • Vibrantly colored
  • Oval-shaped
  • Yolk and white inside
  • Viscous
  • Runny
  • Paintable for Easter eggs
  • Great for throwing when rotten
  • Comes in dozens, multiples of six
  • Protective shell
  • Breakable shell
  • White or brown outside

Initial thoughts: a refreshing drink that comes in an egg-like container with an opening for a straw, packaged in cartons of dozens of eggs; an oval glass for drinks that is impossible to tip over; a drink that you can pour into a skillet and “fry” to finish it - now you can eat your drink; a vehicle for delivering a shot of yellow alcohol