Tools

Imaginary Brainstorming is a tool that provides a team with an opportunity to step out of the real problem, generate ideas for a radically different yet related imaginary problem, and apply the new ideas that are generated to the real problem.

Word Picture Association and Analogies expand idea generation through the use of random and seemingly unrelated pictures, words, and biotechnical information to stimulate thinking about new dimensions and solutions for the team's problem.

A Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic method of identifying, prioritizing and preventing product and process problems before they occur. FMEAs are focused on preventing defects, enhancing safety, and increasing customer satisfaction.