Tool 188: Stimulus Analysis

AKA

N/A

Classification

Idea Generating (IG)

Tool description

Developed by the Battelle Institute in Frankfurt, Germany the stimulus analysis tool provides a method of generating problem-solving ideas using unrelated words or objects as potential idea sources. Characteristics of previously brainstormed words or objects are identified and described and then used to stimulate the surfacing of ideas that hold a potential solution to the problem.

Typical application

• To stimulate the generation of ideas for problem-solving efforts.

• To provide a creativity and innovation method for teams.

• To identify product, process, or service-improvement opportunities.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
1	Creativity/innovation
4	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
3	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Brainstorming

• Circle of opportunity

• Circumrelation

• Wildest Idea Technique

• Wishful Thinking

after

• Creativity Assessment

• Idea Advocate

• Circles of knowledge

• Information Needs Analysis

• Presentation

Notes and key points

• Concentrate on one unrelated word or object at a time. If no useful ideas are generated, move on to the next word and repeat the process.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 A problem, issue, or concern is displayed to the team. Some discussion or clarification of the technique takes place.

• STEP 2 The facilitator prepares three flip charts with headings of Idea Source, Characteristics, and Ideas.

• STEP 3 The team brainstorms 8–10 stimulus words or ojects that are unrelated to the problem. The facilitator records these on the prepared flip chart (Idea Source). See example Shared Copier—In Use When Needed.

• STEP 4 Next, the team identifies characteristics such as material, parts, uses, features, etc., for the first stimulus word, as shown in the example (File Cabinet).

• STEP 5 Characteristics are recorded and discussed, compared, analyzed, and connected in thought; these are also connected in the search for a problem solution or an improvement idea for the stated problem, issue, or concern.

• STEP 6 This process continues until the team has exhausted all possibilities with the particular word or object.

• STEP 7 The facilitator records useful ideas and restarts the process with the next word or object (Fax Machine).

• STEP 8 Finally, all meaningful, high potential solutions are recorded for further

Example of tool application

Shared Copier—In Use When Needed Datexx/xx/xx

Idea Source	Characteristics	Ideas
File Cabinet	— Contains files	— Can a copier be called and store repro requests
	— Four drawers
	— Is metallic
	— Has handles
	— Name plates	— Call copier to check if not in use; receive "Not In Use" tone
	— Can be locked
	— Stores info
	— Stands upright
Fax Machine	— Make calls	— Have fax send document to copier for reproduction. Copier stores information and rings back when repor job is completed.
	— Receive calls
	— Has memory
	— Gives date/time
	— Makes copies
	— Stores calls
	— Stores documents
	— Remote access
	— Signals
Desk	— Wooden