Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model: Solving Problems Creatively

weblink:  http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/productive-thinking-model.htm

Hurson’s Productive Thinking Model:  Solving Problems Creatively

“The advantage of this model over other problem-solving approaches is that it encourages you to use creative and critical thinking skills at each stage of the problem-solving process. This means that you can take a well-rounded look at a problem, and you can come up with better potential solutions.”

“The model presents a structured framework for solving problems creatively. You can use it on your own or in a group.”

The model consists of six steps, as follows:

  1. Ask:  “What is going on?
  2. Ask:  “What is success?”
  3. Ask:  “What is the question?”
  4. Generate answers.
  5. Forge the solution.
  6. Align resources.

The Productive Thinking Model was developed by author and creativity theorist, Tim Hurson, and was published in his book Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking  (2008), McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.