A guide to reverse brainstorming

1. Reverse Brainstorming
Author: Daniel W. Crompton
Mail: daniel.crompton@gmail.com

2. Change Your Thinking
• Instead of asking:
– “How do I solve or prevent this issue?”
– “How do I achieve these results?“
• Ask:
– “How could I possibly cause the issue?”
– “How could I possibly achieve the opposite
effect?quot;

3. Identify The Challenge
Clearly identify the issue.
Write it down.

4. Reverse The Challenge
“How could I possibly cause this issue?“
“How could I possibly achieve the opposite
effect?“

5. Brainstorm
Brainstorm the reverse problem to generate
reverse solutions.
Allow the ideas to flow freely.
Do not reject anything at this stage.

6. Reverse The Reverse Brainstorm
Take all the ideas to solve the reverse
problem, and reverse these into solutions for
the original issue.

7. Evaluate The Solutions
Can you see a potential solution?
Can you see the makings of a potential solution?