10 Creative Problem Solving Methods to Try in 2025

In a world of constant change, the ability to tackle complex challenges with fresh perspectives is no longer a luxury, it's a critical skill for success. Whether you're a startup founder refining a product, a marketing team launching a new campaign, or a freelance designer searching for a breakthrough concept, generic approaches often lead to generic results. The solution lies in structured creativity, and having a toolkit of creative problem solving methods is essential for any professional looking to innovate.

This article moves beyond abstract theory to provide a practical guide to ten powerful techniques. These are not just brainstorming prompts; they are systematic frameworks used by industry leaders to turn intractable problems into groundbreaking opportunities. For moments when the initial ideas just aren't coming, exploring specific strategies to unlock creative flow can also help clear mental blocks and prepare your mind for these structured exercises.

We will break down each method, from Design Thinking to TRIZ, explaining its core principles and providing actionable steps for implementation. You will learn how to apply these toolkits to your own work, transforming how you and your team approach challenges and generate truly inventive solutions. Let’s dive into the methods that will help you unlock your next great idea.

1. Design Thinking

Design Thinking is a human-centered, iterative process used by designers, innovators, and businesses to tackle complex problems. It prioritizes understanding the people you're creating for, leading to more innovative and effective solutions. This methodology stands out among creative problem solving methods because it integrates user needs, technological feasibility, and business viability.

Pioneered by firms like IDEO and the Stanford d.school, this approach is more than just aesthetics; it's a complete framework for innovation. Companies like Apple and Airbnb have famously used it to create products and experiences that deeply resonate with their users. It moves beyond assumptions by grounding the entire problem-solving journey in real-world user research and empathy.

The Core Process

The Design Thinking process is typically broken down into five distinct, non-linear stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. The goal is to gain a deep understanding of the user, define a core problem, brainstorm a wide range of solutions, build low-cost prototypes, and then test them with users to gather feedback for refinement.

The following infographic illustrates the initial, foundational stages of this process, which are crucial for setting a project up for success.

This flow highlights how deep user insights from the Empathize stage directly inform a well-articulated problem statement in the Define stage, which then serves as the launchpad for broad idea generation.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement Design Thinking, focus on these key actions:

• Embrace Empathy: Start with deep user research. Use tools like interviews, observation, and journey maps to truly understand user pain points.
• Prototype Early and Often: Create simple, low-fidelity prototypes (e.g., paper mockups, role-playing) to test concepts quickly and cheaply.
• Involve a Diverse Team: Bring together people with different backgrounds and skills to foster a richer ideation process.

For a deeper dive into structuring these activities, you can find a comprehensive guide to setting up a Design Thinking workshop. Learn more about running a Design Thinking workshop.

2. Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a foundational group creativity technique where the primary goal is to generate a large volume of ideas around a specific problem. The core principle is to defer judgment and criticism, creating a safe space for free-flowing, spontaneous thoughts. This method is one of the most widely used creative problem solving methods due to its simplicity and effectiveness in unlocking a team's collective imagination.

Popularized by advertising executive Alex Osborn, this approach champions quantity over quality in the initial stages. The idea is that from a large pool of ideas, even the seemingly wild ones, a few truly innovative solutions will emerge. Companies like 3M, famous for innovations like Post-it Notes, and Disney, renowned for its story development, have historically used brainstorming sessions to push creative boundaries and solve complex challenges.

The Core Process

The Brainstorming process is built on four key rules: go for quantity, withhold criticism, welcome wild ideas, and combine or improve upon ideas. The session begins with a clearly defined problem or question. Participants then share ideas, which are recorded for all to see. The facilitator ensures the energy remains high and that no idea is dismissed, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish without constraints.

This process transforms a standard meeting into a dynamic idea-generation engine, ensuring every voice is heard and every possibility is explored before any evaluation begins.

Putting It Into Practice

To run an effective Brainstorming session, focus on these key actions:

• Set a Clear Focus: Start with a well-defined problem statement or question. A vague prompt leads to unfocused ideas.
• Encourage Wild Ideas: Explicitly ask for unusual or even impractical suggestions to break conventional thinking patterns.
• Use Visual Aids: Capture every idea on a whiteboard or sticky notes. This visual record helps spark new connections and builds momentum.
• Have a Skilled Facilitator: A facilitator should manage the session, keep the group on track, and ensure that all participants contribute.

Brainstorming is an excellent tool for breaking through creative ruts. Learn more about overcoming creative block with brainstorming techniques.

3. SCAMPER

SCAMPER is a powerful creative thinking technique that uses a checklist of seven prompts to spark new ideas by examining a problem or product from different angles. Each letter represents a specific verb: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. This method stands out among creative problem solving methods for its structured yet flexible approach to brainstorming.

Based on the original concept by advertising executive Alex Osborn and later organized by Bob Eberle, SCAMPER provides a systematic way to challenge assumptions and explore innovations. Companies have used its principles to great effect, such as when Dyson eliminated the bag from vacuum cleaners (Eliminate) or when Post-it Notes put a weak adhesive to an entirely new use (Put to another use). It forces you to move beyond the obvious and consider possibilities you might otherwise overlook.

The Core Process

The SCAMPER framework guides you through seven distinct lenses to transform an existing idea, product, or process into something new. The goal is to ask targeted questions related to each verb to generate a high volume of diverse ideas. By systematically applying each prompt, you can deconstruct a problem and find innovative pathways for improvement or reinvention.

The following graphic outlines the seven prompts that form the backbone of this technique, illustrating how each action serves as a catalyst for creative thought.

This flow demonstrates how you can take any existing concept and methodically question its components, functions, and context to unlock novel solutions.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement the SCAMPER method, focus on these key actions:

• Work Through It Systematically: Go through each of the seven prompts one by one. Don't skip a letter even if it seems irrelevant at first; it might trigger an unexpected idea.
• Generate Quantity Over Quality Initially: The aim is to produce a large list of ideas for each prompt. Focus on generating as many possibilities as you can without early judgment.
• Combine SCAMPER Ideas: After brainstorming with each prompt, look for opportunities to combine different ideas into more robust, hybrid solutions.

For a deeper understanding of how to apply these prompts with structured questions, you can find comprehensive resources that break down the technique. Learn more about the SCAMPER method in detail.

4. Six Thinking Hats

Six Thinking Hats is a powerful parallel thinking technique that encourages individuals and teams to look at a problem from multiple perspectives. This method separates thinking into six distinct modes, each represented by a symbolic colored hat, allowing for a more thorough and collaborative exploration of an issue without devolving into argumentation. It stands out among creative problem solving methods for its structured approach to group thinking.

Developed by Edward de Bono, this methodology has been adopted globally to streamline decision-making and enhance innovation. Organizations like IBM and NASA have used it to improve project planning and problem analysis. The framework ensures all viewpoints are considered, from pure data to gut feelings, leading to more rounded and robust solutions.

The Core Process

The Six Thinking Hats process involves participants metaphorically putting on and taking off six different colored hats. Each hat represents a specific type of thinking: Blue (process), White (facts), Red (emotions), Black (cautions), Yellow (benefits), and Green (creativity). By having everyone in the group "wear" the same hat at the same time, the focus remains on a single mode of thinking, preventing conflicts and fostering a more productive discussion.

This parallel thinking approach means all participants explore one perspective together before moving to the next, ensuring every angle is fully considered.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement the Six Thinking Hats method, focus on these key actions:

• Follow a Sequence: Start and end with the Blue hat to define the process, set the agenda, summarize outcomes, and define next steps.
• One Hat at a Time: Ensure everyone is focused on the same color hat simultaneously to maintain discipline and avoid conversational chaos.
• Value Every Perspective: Give equal weight to each hat. The emotional insights of the Red hat are just as crucial as the data-driven focus of the White hat.

For a deeper understanding of the principles behind this framework, you can explore the official resources from its creator. Learn more about the de Bono Thinking Systems.

5. Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping is a powerful visual thinking tool used to organize information, generate ideas, and explore complex relationships. It starts with a single central concept and radiates outwards in a non-linear fashion, using keywords, colors, and images to connect related ideas. As one of the most versatile creative problem solving methods, it mirrors the brain's natural way of thinking, making it highly effective for both individual and group brainstorming.

Popularized by author Tony Buzan, this technique is used globally by organizations like Boeing for aircraft design planning and Virgin Group for mapping out new business strategies. It excels at breaking down large, intimidating problems into manageable components, revealing new connections and pathways to a solution that a linear, list-based approach might miss.

The Core Process

The essence of Mind Mapping is capturing thoughts in a radial, hierarchical structure. You begin with a central topic, which serves as the core problem or idea. From this center, you draw main branches for high-level themes or categories. Sub-branches are then added to these main branches to represent more detailed thoughts, tasks, or data points.

This organic structure allows for the free association of ideas, encouraging a flow of creativity without the constraints of a rigid outline. Using different colors for main branches and incorporating symbols or small drawings helps to engage different parts of the brain, enhancing memory, comprehension, and creative output.

Putting It Into Practice

To get the most out of Mind Mapping for problem-solving, follow these key steps:

• Start with a Central Image: Instead of just a word, use a strong, central image to represent your problem or goal. This engages your creativity from the very beginning.
• Use Single Keywords: Keep labels on your branches to a single keyword. This encourages concise thinking and allows for more associations to spring from each point.
• Embrace Colors and Curves: Use a variety of colors and draw curved, organic lines for your branches. Straight lines can be monotonous, while curves are more visually stimulating.
• Review and Refine: A mind map is a living document. Revisit it to add new ideas or reorganize connections as your understanding of the problem evolves.

This technique is particularly useful during the initial stages of a project or when a team needs to structure feedback. For guidance on how to organize feedback sessions effectively, you can learn more about establishing a creative review process.

6. Lateral Thinking

Lateral Thinking is a problem-solving method that involves approaching issues from an indirect and creative perspective. Instead of following a linear, step-by-step logic, it encourages you to disrupt conventional thinking patterns and explore solutions that are not immediately obvious. This methodology is one of the most powerful creative problem solving methods for generating truly novel ideas.

Developed by Edward de Bono, Lateral Thinking is about deliberately moving "sideways" to find new entry points and perspectives. It's a structured way to be creative on demand. Companies like Southwest Airlines used this approach by questioning the core assumptions of the airline industry, leading to their highly successful, low-cost, point-to-point model that bypassed the traditional hub-and-spoke system.

The Core Process

The essence of Lateral Thinking is to challenge assumptions and reframe the problem. This isn't about random brainstorming; it involves specific techniques designed to break you out of rigid thinking habits. The goal is to escape the well-worn paths of logical thought and generate ideas that would otherwise be missed, moving from a high-probability idea to a low-probability one with high potential.

This process involves actively seeking out different ways to look at a situation. It could mean reversing a problem on its head, using random words to trigger new associations, or intentionally introducing provocative statements to challenge the status quo and see where they lead.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement Lateral Thinking, focus on these key actions:

• Question Basic Assumptions: Actively list and challenge every assumption you have about the problem. Ask "Why?" repeatedly, like a curious child.
• Use Random Stimulation: Pick a random word from a dictionary and try to connect it to your problem. This forces your brain to make new connections.
• Explore "What If" Scenarios: Pose provocative "What if?" questions, even if they seem absurd. For example, "What if our product was free?" or "What if our customers were our employees?"

Measuring the output of such creative sessions can be challenging, but it's essential for understanding its impact. For a deeper dive into this, you can learn more about how to measure creativity.

7. TRIZ

TRIZ (a Russian acronym for "Theory of Inventive Problem Solving") is a systematic, data-driven methodology for innovation. It's based on the idea that creative solutions follow universal patterns, which can be identified, learned, and applied to solve new technical problems. This approach stands out among creative problem solving methods by offering a logical framework derived from the analysis of millions of patents.

Developed by Soviet inventor Genrich Altshuller, TRIZ moves beyond random brainstorming by providing structured tools to resolve deep-seated technical contradictions. Companies like Samsung, Intel, and Rolls-Royce have used TRIZ to accelerate innovation in areas from semiconductor design to jet engine optimization, proving its power in tackling complex engineering challenges.

The Core Process

The essence of TRIZ lies in identifying and resolving "contradictions," situations where improving one parameter worsens another (e.g., making a product stronger also makes it heavier). Instead of a trade-off, TRIZ pushes for an innovative solution that eliminates the conflict entirely. It provides specific tools like the 40 Inventive Principles and the Contradiction Matrix to guide this process.

By systematically analyzing a problem, users can find analogous solutions from different fields, bypassing lengthy trial-and-error cycles. This structured approach helps transform a difficult, specific problem into a standard problem with a known, inventive solution.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement TRIZ, focus on these key actions:

• Define Contradictions Clearly: Identify the core conflict in your problem. What two parameters are at odds with each other? This is the starting point for finding a solution.
• Use the 40 Principles: Start with the most accessible TRIZ tool, the 40 Inventive Principles. Review the list to see which principles might resolve your specific contradiction.
• Leverage Analogous Problems: Use TRIZ databases and literature to find how similar contradictions have been solved in other industries, even completely unrelated ones.

For a deeper look into how structured methodologies like TRIZ can be integrated into broader workflows, you can find a comprehensive guide on creative operations management. Learn more about optimizing creative operations.

8. Morphological Analysis

Morphological Analysis is a systematic method for exploring all possible solutions to a complex, multi-dimensional problem. It functions by breaking a problem down into its essential parameters or dimensions and then generating a comprehensive list of variations for each one. This technique excels among creative problem solving methods by creating a structured framework for innovation, ensuring no potential solution is overlooked.

Developed by astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky, this approach forces you to look beyond conventional combinations and discover novel configurations. It's particularly powerful for technical or product design challenges where multiple components must work together. Industries from aerospace to urban planning have used it to systematically map out and evaluate vast solution spaces, moving beyond incremental improvements to find truly groundbreaking alternatives.

The Core Process

The method involves creating a "morphological box" or matrix. First, you identify the fundamental attributes or dimensions of the problem. Second, you list all possible variations or "states" for each attribute. Finally, you explore all potential combinations by selecting one state from each dimension, which collectively form a complete potential solution. The goal is to systematically examine every combination to uncover new and viable possibilities.

This structured exploration moves idea generation from a random act to a methodical search, ensuring a thorough review of the problem’s entire solution landscape.

Putting It Into Practice

To effectively implement Morphological Analysis, focus on these key actions:

• Define Independent Dimensions: Ensure the attributes you select are as independent of each other as possible to avoid redundancy.
• Start Small and Expand: Begin with a few critical dimensions to keep the matrix manageable, then gradually add more complexity as needed.
• Use Evaluation Criteria: Once you have a list of combinations, apply a clear set of criteria to filter and prioritize the most promising solutions.
• Involve Domain Experts: Collaborate with experts to accurately define the problem's core dimensions and their possible variations.

For those interested in the foundational principles, exploring the work of the Swedish Morphological Society can provide deeper insights into General Morphological Analysis.

9. Synectics

Synectics is a creative problem-solving methodology that harnesses the power of analogy and metaphor to reframe challenges. Its core principle is to "make the strange familiar and the familiar strange," pushing teams beyond their conventional thinking patterns. This method is particularly effective for tackling deeply entrenched or seemingly unsolvable problems by connecting them to unrelated concepts.

Developed by William J.J. Gordon and George M. Prince, Synectics became a structured process for creative exploration. It has been used to generate breakthrough innovations, such as the design of the Pringles chip container, inspired by how wet leaves stack and pack neatly. This approach is one of the most powerful creative problem solving methods for generating truly novel ideas by forcing a cognitive leap away from the problem's immediate context.

The Core Process

The Synectics process guides a group through a series of carefully structured analogical thinking exercises to generate fresh perspectives. The goal is to create psychological distance from the problem, allowing non-obvious solutions to emerge. It operates on the belief that creative efficiency increases when the emotional and irrational components of thinking are understood and integrated with rational analysis.

The methodology typically involves a facilitator who leads the group through different types of analogies: direct, personal, symbolic, and fantasy. By exploring these, the team can uncover underlying principles or mechanisms that can be applied back to the original challenge.

Putting It Into Practice

To successfully integrate Synectics into your problem-solving sessions, focus on these key actions:

• Use Diverse Analogies: Draw comparisons from completely different fields like nature, history, or art. For example, how is managing inventory like conducting an orchestra?
• Create a Safe Environment: The process encourages wild, seemingly illogical ideas. A non-judgmental atmosphere is crucial for participants to feel comfortable sharing these thoughts.
• Explore Analogies Deeply: Before jumping to a solution, fully explore the chosen analogy. What are its components, functions, and feelings? This deep dive often uncovers the most valuable insights.

For teams looking to learn more about this structured creative process, the firm founded by the originators provides extensive resources. Learn more about the Synectics methodology.

10. Assumption Reversal

Assumption Reversal is a powerful creative thinking technique that challenges the status quo by systematically inverting the core beliefs we hold about a problem. This method forces us out of conventional thought patterns, creating a space for disruptive innovation. Among creative problem solving methods, it is particularly effective for breaking through mental blocks and uncovering radically new approaches.

Pioneered by creativity experts like Roger von Oech and Michael Michalko, this technique is about asking, "What if the exact opposite were true?" This deliberate reversal dismantles the invisible rules that constrain our thinking. For instance, Amazon's success was built on reversing the assumption that "customers go to stores," creating a delivery-first model that revolutionized retail. Similarly, Uber flipped the taxi industry by reversing the idea that "you must call a dispatcher for a ride."

The Core Process

The essence of Assumption Reversal is a three-step journey: identify, reverse, and explore. First, you list all the explicit and implicit assumptions surrounding a challenge. Second, you write down the opposite of each assumption. Finally, you use these new, reversed statements as prompts to brainstorm fresh, and sometimes startling, solutions that would not have otherwise been considered.

This process systematically breaks down the established framework of a problem, allowing you to rebuild it from an entirely new foundation. It shifts the focus from incremental improvements to transformative change.

Putting It Into Practice

To successfully apply Assumption Reversal, concentrate on these strategic actions:

• List All Assumptions: Start by brainstorming every belief you have about your product, service, or problem. Don't filter them; list everything from "customers want a physical product" to "we need a large marketing budget."
• Reverse Each Assumption Systematically: Go through your list one by one and write its direct opposite. For "customers want a physical product," the reversal is "customers do not want a physical product" or "customers want a digital service instead."
• Explore the Implications: Use each reversal as a "What if?" question. Explore the possibilities that open up. What would a razor company look like if it reversed the assumption that razors are sold in stores? The answer could be a subscription model like Dollar Shave Club.

Creative Problem Solving Methods Comparison

From Theory to Action: Choosing Your Creative Toolkit

We've journeyed through a powerful arsenal of ten distinct creative problem solving methods, from the structured empathy of Design Thinking to the provocative approach of Assumption Reversal. The sheer volume of techniques can feel overwhelming, but the goal isn't to become an overnight expert in all of them. The true skill lies in developing the strategic wisdom to select the right tool for the right challenge.

Think of it not as a rigid manual, but as a versatile workshop. Each method has a specific purpose. Faced with a complex, human-centered challenge? Design Thinking provides a clear, empathetic path forward. Need to breathe new life into an existing product or service? The SCAMPER checklist is your catalyst for rapid-fire improvements. When group dynamics become a roadblock, the Six Thinking Hats technique can de-personalize criticism and organize contributions, paving the way for collaborative breakthroughs.

Making These Methods Work for You

The most critical step is the one you take next: moving from passive reading to active application. Merely understanding these concepts is not enough; true mastery comes from practice and iteration. To turn knowledge into skill, consider these actionable next steps:

• Start Small and Specific: Don't try to solve your company's biggest existential crisis on your first attempt. Select one method that resonates with you, perhaps Mind Mapping for organizing a new project or Brainstorming for an upcoming marketing campaign, and apply it to a low-stakes, manageable problem.
• Embrace the Process: Your first attempt might be clumsy, and that's perfectly fine. The objective is to learn the mechanics of the method. Did the Six Thinking Hats feel too structured? Did TRIZ seem too abstract? Note what worked and what didn’t, and adjust your approach next time.
• Combine and Innovate: As you grow more comfortable, you'll see opportunities to blend these techniques. You might use a Mind Map to fuel a Brainstorming session or apply the SCAMPER framework to ideas generated through Lateral Thinking. This hybrid approach is where truly unique solutions are often born.

To get the most out of these sessions, especially in a team setting, it helps to treat them as learning opportunities. To effectively implement the creative problem-solving methods discussed, consider incorporating various active learning strategies. Techniques like role-playing (using the Six Hats) or collaborative projects (a Design Thinking sprint) can transform a theoretical exercise into an engaging and highly productive event, ensuring the lessons stick.

The value of mastering these creative problem solving methods extends far beyond finding a single clever solution. It cultivates a culture of resilience, curiosity, and proactive innovation. Your team stops seeing problems as dead ends and starts viewing them as puzzles waiting to be solved. This shift in mindset is the ultimate competitive advantage, empowering you to adapt to market changes, delight your customers, and consistently stay ahead of the curve.

Ready to move beyond theory but need an expert guide to facilitate the process? Creativize connects you with a curated network of elite creative freelancers and innovation consultants who specialize in these very methods. Find the perfect expert to lead your next workshop, guide your team through a complex challenge, and unlock the innovative potential you never knew you had. Find your creative partner at Creativize today.