Reverse brainstorming

Why

Reverse brainstorming is but one example out of many brainstorming techniques (see On brainstorming) 

Reverse brainstorming can be used in any creative session where you are stuck for ideas. It can help you look at the negative side of ideas, as well as the positive, so that you can select the most useful ideas.

When

It works well in the idea generation phase.

How

The process is:

1. Positive phrasing of the focus area (focusing)

2. Negative phrasing of the focus area (focusing)

3. Negative ideas

4. Positive ideas

5. Select the most useful ideas

Where can you learn more?

You can read more about reverse brainstorming here.

You can also take a look at this book here.