Ideation Techniques
Six Thinking Hats
Six Thinking Hats is a brainstorming and decision-making technique developed by Edward de Bono. It involves participants adopting six distinct perspectives, symbolized by hats of different colors, to explore all aspects of a situation comprehensively and objectively. Each hat represents a different mode of thinking.
EFFORT
Medium
Requires preparation to explain the technique and moderate effort to manage the session effectively.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Managing the dynamic of changing perspectives can be challenging, especially ensuring that all participants engage with their assigned thinking styles.
IMPLEMENTATION
Introduce the Hats: Explain the six hats and what each represents:
White Hat: Focuses on data and information.
Red Hat: Represents emotions and feelings.
Black Hat: Concerns critical thinking and identifying potential problems.
Yellow Hat: Symbolizes positivity and the exploration of benefits.
Green Hat: Associated with creativity and new ideas.
Blue Hat: Manages the thinking process and ensures the rules are followed.
Assign Hats: Either assign different hats to different team members or rotate hats among the group to ensure all perspectives are covered.
Discuss the Issue: Review the topic or problem from the perspective of each hat. Participants contribute according to the hat they are wearing.
Cycle Through Hats: Allow time for each hat to be used in the discussion. This can be done in rounds or as a structured sequence.
Capture Insights: Document key points from each perspective.
Review and Decide: Use the insights gained from all hats to make a balanced and well-considered decision.
BENEFITS
Promotes comprehensive exploration of problems from multiple angles.
Helps to balance emotional and logical arguments.
Encourages diverse thinking and reduces conflict by separating ego from performance.
CHALLENGES
Requires participants to fully understand and commit to the rules of the exercise, which can be difficult for those unused to role-play.
Can be time-consuming as each perspective needs to be thoroughly explored.
Needs skilled facilitation to ensure all voices are heard and the session remains focused.
RECOMMENDED TEAM MEMBERS
Product Manager, UI/UX Designer, Marketing, Engineering
DELIVERABLES
A detailed summary of insights from each 'hat'.
A decision or a set of solutions that are well-rounded, considering various aspects of the problem.
Documentation of the session, which can be referenced in future decision-making processes.
The Six Thinking Hats technique is a powerful tool for diversifying thought processes in meetings and discussions, ensuring that decisions are made with a full spectrum of consideration. It is particularly effective in complex scenarios where multifaceted issues require balanced judgement.
Stay tuned for an upcoming template.