creativity,idea generation,brainstorming The cubing process is a tool for generating ideas or perspective relating to an object or topic. It is very useful in writing, in brainstorming and as an instrument for creative thinking. For example, let’s say we want to discuss a mobile phone…

Examine It – here we simply state what we see – rectangular, black, has keyboard, very small keys, light, small LCD, professional…

Analyze It – now we break up the phone into it’s component parts or slice and dice it – a battery compartment, has a SIM inside, serial numbers written inside, some plugs, some electronics..

Compare It – what is it different from and what is it similar to – much smaller than a telephone handset, like a cordless phone but lighter, cigarette pack size, screen much smaller than a PDA..

Argue – for it, against it – great for professionals, has mobility, not so good for privacy, let’s you know who’s calling, potential health hazard? ..

Associate It – what does this make you think of ? – pack of cards, small PDA, cigarette packet, small TV, work, friends..

Apply It – what application possibilities can you think of ? email, entertainment, videos, cricket score, stock market, messenger, watch, games …

You can see how this creates a very quick list of ideas – bullet points to help you brainstorm or write. You can use this method for any other topic of your choice or to help you with some project ideas

from MDi Pakistan’s directory of Practical Tools for Managers TM