Several years ago at CPSI I heard John Ostrowski share about how he and his research people discovered a breakthrough in how to develop white paint without using titanium, a very finite resource. I call the technique White Paint.

Practice first with the problem of white paint.

Make two columns. One for white and one for paint.

Then list everthing you can think of relation to the individual word. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes each day for 4 days and then share the resulting lists. If you don't see a potential breakthrough perhaps from our combining everyone's responses we will together.
 
I.E.,
 
white
 
snow
ice cream
powder
 
paint
 
surface
protector
smooth

Have fun and share later in the week. Especially share any breakthroughs you discover.

Oh, I forgot to mention how breakthroughs usually come from this technique.

Create extensive lists. Then look for new patterns within the respective lists. Often new patterns will suggest new approaches or perspectives. Also combine items from both lists for potential breakthrough ideas or links to potential ideas.

Have fun. Choose to be creative often this week.

© 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 Robert Alan Black, Ph.D. CSP