First Steps in Solving Open-Ended Problems

1. Write an initial problem statement.

2. Make sure you are proceeding to solve the real problem as opposed to the perceived problem (chapter 3). Carry out one or more of the following:
   1. Find out where the problem came from
   2. Explore the problem
   3. Apply the Duncker Diagram
   4. Use the statement-restatement technique
   5. Apply Problem Analysis

3. Generate solutions (chapter 4)
   1. Understand what conceptual blocks can occur so that you will be aware of them when they surface.
      1. Perceptual
      2. Emotional
      3. Cultural
      4. Environmental
      5. Intellectual
      6. Expressive
   2. Brainstorm
      1. Free association
      2. Osborn’s Check List
      3. Lateral Thinking
         1. Random Stimulation
         2. Other People's Views
   3. Analogy
      1. State the problem
      2. Generate analogies
      3. Solve the analogy
      4. Transfer the analogy to the solution
   4. Organize the ideas/solutions that have been generated
      1. Fishbone Diagram
   5. Cross Fertilize
      1. Draw analogies from other disciplines
   6. Futuring. Today’s constraints (e.g. computing speed, communications) may be limiting the generation of a creative solutions. Think to the future when these constraints may no longer exist. Remove all possible constraints from the problem statement a nd solution criteria.
   7. Incubate

4. Choose best alternative from the ideas generated (chapter 5)
   1. Decision Making
      1. Musts
      2. Wants
      3. Adverse Consequences
   2. Planning
      1. Potential Problem
      2. Consequences
      3. Preventative Action
      4. Contingent Action

5. Follow Through (chapter 6)
   1. Gantt Chart
   2. Deployment Chart
   3. Evaluation - Is the problem you are solving still relevant?

6. Evaluate (chapter 7)
   1. Does the solution satisfy all the stated and implied criteria?
   2. Is the solution safe to people and property?
   3. Is the solution ethical?

Furthermore, Bloom's Taxonomy can help classify your problem and determine a method of attack.