Brainstorming to harness the spontaneity of problems as opportunities: EIDeM

Abstract

Brainstorming methods are examples of popular tools for divergent thinking used to generate new ideas for solving problems and seeding design projects. The objective is to maximize the number and diversity of ideas while critical analysis is postponed for convergent phases. However, without appropriate mechanisms for navigating the infinite parameter space of designs, the divergent leaps can become piloted by irrelevant factors failing the objective. A new entropy-inspired design method (EIDeM) for divergent thinking is proposed that replaces the instinctual avoidance of problems with more organized and probabilistically favorable problem-positive exploration. In nature, a macrostate manifested by a large number of microstates can spontaneously overwhelm a smaller macrostate, making the presence of the latter rare or practically nonexistent. Similarly, the enormous number of characteristics manifesting problems can be forbidding for a problem-negative thinker. However, the abundant problematic factors can be considered as spontaneous natural phenomenon governed by the laws of probability, enabling extensive guides for searching new manifestations for the complementary functions of interest with improved performances. The conflicts can also be used as isolated targets for conscious efforts to detach from cognitive limiting fixations. The EIDeM integrates well with conventional design methods, and seems to be especially suitable for relaxing compulsory functions that have turned into bottlenecks slowing down or totally halting the overall development. The versatile use of the EIDeM is demonstrated using two artificial design scenarios, and real-life applications are also reported. Wider reproduction of the EIDeM's potential could enhance the pace of the forward-going humankind.