A specific method that facilitates innovative problem-solving by encouraging individuals and teams to explore ideas without constraints. It is a guided process where a facilitator helps participants suspend critical judgment and generate a wide range of unconventional solutions to a particular challenge. For instance, instead of incrementally improving an existing product, this approach could lead to the development of an entirely new product category.
The value of this facilitation lies in its ability to unlock creative potential and overcome mental barriers that often hinder traditional problem-solving. By fostering a safe environment for exploring unconventional concepts, it can lead to breakthroughs that would not be possible through more conventional strategies. Its roots can be traced back to brainstorming techniques developed in the mid-20th century, but it has evolved into a more structured and guided process for generating radical ideas.