It's not always easy to come up with good ideas, and you can fall into many thinking traps along the way. For instance, you might assume that your first idea is the best one, without having explored alternatives. Or you might generate so many potential solutions that you don't know which one to implement.
This is when it helps to use a problem-solving framework to guide you.
Robert Olson developed the DO IT model and published it in his 1986 book, "The Art of Creative Thinking." It's a simple but effective process that spurs innovative thinking and helps you overcome habits that can limit creativity.
The DO IT acronym stands for the four steps in Olson's process:
Define the problem.
Open your mind and apply creative techniques.
Identify the best solution.
Transform.
1. Define the Problem
Your first step is to identify and define the problem you want to solve.
It's often tempting to rush through this first step. However, if you work through it thoroughly, you can save a significant amount of time and effort later – particularly if you're trying to solve a difficult problem.
Once you understand your problem, summarize it as concisely as possible. Olson suggests that the best way to do this is to write down several two-word problem statements and choose the best one.
Keep in mind that if you focus on the wrong issue, you'll still have to fix the real one later. Take your time with this first step to ensure that you clearly understand what you are trying to do.
2. Open Your Mind and Explore Solutions
Once you have defined the problem you want to solve, you can generate possible solutions.
It can be easy to accept the first good idea that you come up with. However, this means that you may miss out on even better solutions. Take plenty of time to generate ideas using normal, structured thinking, supported by brainstorming.
While you're doing this, remember that other people may have different but equally valuable perspectives, which can lead them to come up with other possible solutions. Involve your colleagues in the problem-solving process.
Don't worry about evaluating ideas at this stage. Instead, try to generate as many different solutions as possible – even bad ideas can lead to better ones down the road.
3. Identify the Best Solution
Now it's time to choose the best idea.
This may be obvious, but don't jump to conclusions.
It's often better to examine and develop a number of ideas in detail before you select the final one.
4. Transform
Now that you've identified the problem and chosen the best solution, the final stage is to take action.
Source: http://www.mindtools.com