TECHNIQUE 21 Random Stimulus

If you have more than eight people, split them into equally divided groups. If you have less than four participants, use a different idea-generation approach such as Imaginary Brainstorming (Technique 19) or Random Stimulus (Technique 21). Either way, select a mixed team that includes people who are familiar with the issue at hand as well as outsiders who can promote a new perspective. 

If you don t end up with enough viable ideas, create another imaginary statement by replacing a different element and go through the steps again. Or try another idea generation approach such as Creative Challenge (Technique 15) or Random Stimulus (Technique 21). 

You can use the Random Stimulus technique to generate solution ideas for a JTBD, or even for an outcome expectation (see Exhibit 21.3 for an example of the latter). 

Techniques like Random Stimulus initially might seem too disconnected in the way they lead to new ideas, but this disconnection from one s mental inertia is exactly what is needed. Humans naturally establish logic patterns as they process information over time, so creative thinking actually becomes unnatural. The only way to spark it is to move away from these patterns, and using Random Stimulus is one way to do that. 

When you re finished generating ideas, review the list. li you need additional ideas, repeat the steps with a different random stimulus. Or, try another idea generation technique such as Provocation and Movement (Technique 22). 

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