This is the second stage in the Creative Problem Solving Process. The complete model can be found here: https://andrewzenyuch.com/?p=622
Goal
Gather data to develop a well-rounded view and a clear understanding of your objective by writing down important information about it.
Process – Diverge
- Write your goal/objective/wish at the top of a new sheet of paper.
- Ask yourself: “What do I know about this?”
- Write down everything that comes to your mind.
- Use the following questions to get more answers around your goal/objective:
- How did this start?
- What’s challenging about it?
- Why aren’t you there yet?
- What’s getting in the way of reaching it?
- Who else is involved? How?
- What are the components of getting there?
- What does it feel like?
- What color is it?
- Does it have a smell?
- Was there a time when you were there or when this wasn’t a problem? What was it like?
- Don’t be afraid to be simple. No fact is too big or too small.
Process – Converge
- Once you have what you feel to be a comprehensive list of all the facts around your goal/objective/wish, review the list and write down anything you think you’ve missed.
- Be sure to look to see if you missed the obvious.
- Put a star next to the facts you feel help you best understand your goal/objective/wish.
- Cluster similar facts together. Facts included in clusters do not need stars.
- Give each cluster a name that represents the common theme running through each idea within that cluster.
- These clusters will be used as a reference to help guide you along the way to reaching your goal/objective/wish.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have just completed the Fact Finding Stage of the Creative Problem Solving Process. You are now ready to complete the next stage – Problem Finding: https://andrewzenyuch.com/?p=435