Reverse (negative) brainstorming

Reverse brainstorming

1. Author and History of the Method

The concept of reverse brainstorming is attributed to Alex Osborn, and emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional brainstorming methods. Reverse brainstorming was later refined by other creativity researchers and practitioners and gained more structured recognition in the late 20th century.

2. A short description of the method

Reverse Brainstorming combines brainstorming and reversal techniques. It involves identifying ways to achieve the opposite of a desired goal or outcome. By focusing on how to create or exacerbate a problem rather than solving it, participants can uncover obstacles and weaknesses. This approach helps uncover underlying causes and generates innovative solutions by reframing the problem.
Reverse brain-storming is a good technique to try when it is difficult to identify solutions to the problem directly.

3. Basic functions

1. The primary function of reverse brainstorming is to identify potential obstacles and challenges, early in the process, or negative aspects related to a problem, that might have been overlooked.
2. Stimulating creative thinking by approaching problems from new perspectives.
3. Generating innovative solutions by breaking habitual thought patterns.

4. The essence of the method

The essence of Reverse Brainstorming lies in deliberately thinking about how to worsen a situation or create obstacles. The core principle of this technique is to flip the problem on its head. By deliberately provoking the mind to consider the opposite of the desired outcome, participants are forced to explore alternative paths and challenge their preconceived notions. By asking “How could we cause this problem?” or “How could we make this situation worse?”, participants are freed from the constraints of conventional thinking and can explore ideas that might otherwise be overlooked.

5. Methodological and theoretical foundations

Reverse Brainstorming is rooted in divergent thinking theories, the concept of “provocation”, systems and lateral thinking principles.
This tecnique leverages the human brain’s ability to generate ideas more freely when constraints are removed or reversed.
Reverse Brainstorming draws from the concept of “productive failure,” which suggests that exploring ways to fail can lead to more robust solutions.
This method is based on the principle of “Beneficial Use of Adversity” or “Harnessing Harm for Good ” which reflects the idea of transforming negative or harmful situations into positive outcomes through clever use, adaptation, or reinterpretation.

6. Fundamental Principles and Rules

• Inversion and Problem Reversal: Reverse the problem statement or goal and start by thinking about the opposite of the desired outcome.
• Negative Focus: Concentrate on what could go wrong or hinder progress, generate ideas that would worsen the situation or cause the problem.
• Provocation: Encourage wild, absurd, exaggerated or extreme ideas.
• Reversal of Reversal: Shift the focus back to solving the original problem using the new insights gained.

7. Procedure

1. Gather a diverse group of participants.
2. Introduce the concept of Reverse Brainstorming and its rules.
3. Encourage participants to generate ideas that worsen or create the problem.
4. Record all ideas without judgment or critique.
5. After exhausting the reverse ideas, shift focus to generating productive solutions that address or prevent the negative consequences identified.

8. Main stages and steps 

1. Define the Problem. Participants begin with a clear identification the problem or challenge.
2. Reverse the Problem. Reverse the problem statement to focus on how to achieve the opposite effect. (e.g., “How to increase customer satisfaction” becomes “How to decrease customer satisfaction”). The leader can start by reversing the problem by asking: “How could you possibly achieve the opposite effect?”, “How not to solve the problem?” or “How can we go out of business?”, “How can we make our workplace more depressing?”.
3. Generate Negative Ideas. The leader asks participants to generate reverse solution ideas. He invites participants not to reject anything at this stage and allows the ideas to flow freely.
4. Reversal of Reversal. Transform Ideas. Review the list of negative ideas and Re-reverse them back to find potential solutions to the original problem. Those new unusual ideas can used as a springboard to more realistic and useful solutions to their actual problem statement.
5. Develop Solutions. Evaluate and refine the resulting positive solutions. Participants evaluate these solution ideas and select the most effective and practical.
6. Implement Planning. Developing a plan to implement the chosen solutions.

9. Examples

Example 1: Reducing Customer Complaints in a Retail Store
Problem Statement. How can we reduce customer complaints about long checkout lines?
Reversed Problem. How could we make customers wait even longer in checkout lines?
Negative Ideas.
1.Remove additional cashiers during peak hours.
2.Add more items to the checkout process.
3. Disable self-checkout machines frequently.
Transformed Positive Solutions
1.Hire more cashiers during peak hours.
2.Simplify the checkout process by reducing unnecessary steps.
3.Regularly maintain self-checkout machines.

Example 2: Improving Employee Productivity
Problem Statement. “How to improve employee productivity?”
Reversed Problem. “How to decrease employee productivity?”
Negative ideas:
1. Create a loud noise in the office
2. Remove all comfortable seating.
3. Randomly change work schedules every day.
Transformed Positive Solutions
1. Create quiet, focused work areas.
2. Invest in ergonomic office furniture.
3. Establish consistent, flexible work schedules.

Example 3: Reducing Employee Turnover
Problem Statement: High employee turnover in a company.
Reverse the Problem: How can we increase employee turnover?
Negative Ideas:
1. Pay employees below market rates.
2. Provide no opportunities for career advancement.
3. Create a toxic work environment.
Transform into Positive Solutions:
1. Pay employees above market rates: Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent.
2. Provide clear career advancement opportunities: Implement a structured career development program with regular promotions and skill-building workshops.
3. Foster a positive work environment: Encourage open communication, recognize employee achievements, and promote work-life balance.

10. Variants or Options

1. Reverse Brainwriting: A written version where participants silently contribute negative ideas.
3. Reverse Role Play (Reverse Brainstorming with Personas): Act out scenarios where things go terribly wrong. Imagining how different characters might worsen the situation.
4. Timed Reverse Brainstorming: Setting strict time limits to increase pressure and creativity.
5. Reverse brainstorming with a twist: Add a twist to the brainstorming process, such as generating ideas that are opposite of what is expected.
6. Reverse Visualization: Visualizing and describing the worst-case scenario.

Negative Brainstorming

Negative brainstorming is a structured approach to creative problem-solving that involves identifying the negative aspects of a problem and then reversing them to generate innovative solutions.
This type of brainstorming is based on Ellis Paul Torrance’s understanding of creativity, which he defined as a process of sensing problems or deficiencies, gaps in knowledge, missing elements or disharmonies, identifying the difficulties and seeking solutions through making guesses or formulating hypotheses about the deficiencies.

Negative brainstorming consists of a conventional brainstorming session that is applied to questions such as:
“What are the project’s shortcomings, problems, and contradictions?”
“What are the shortcomings and possible problems of the chosen solution or idea?”, ‘What could go wrong with this project?’
This technique is considered as Analysing Potential Problem, Technique “Analysis of defects” and examining potential failures of situation, real-existing objects, product or service.
The purpose of the reverse negative brainstorming is compiling the most complete list of contradictions, defects, deficiencies, gaps, imperfections and limitations of real existing objects or ideas.
This technique can be used as a final evaluation of a short-list of previously team-generated ideas in the conventional brainstorming session

Procedure Steps

1. The team displays a final list of previously brainstormed ideas that passed the preliminary evaluation.
2. One by one, all ideas are questioned or criticized for possible shortcomings, problems, weaknesses, or serious consequences if implemented.
3. It is possible when participants freely generate ideas about problems and shortcomings in the form and according to the rules of brainstorming.
4. After all ideas have been evaluated the team selects the best idea that can be easily and effectively implemented.

Advantages of Reverse (Negative) Brainstorming

1. Helps overcome mental blocks and habitual thinking patterns.
2. Reveals blind spots and overlooked issues, hidden factors and potential risks.
3. Leads to innovative breakthroughs and sparks unexpected and solutions.
4. Fosters experimentation and can be both fun and engaging for participants.

Limitations and disadvantages

1. Overemphasis on Negativity: May be challenging for some participants to intentionally think negatively
2. The transition from reverse ideation to solution generation may be difficult
3. Might not be suitable for all types of problems, particularly those with ethical considerations
4. Requires a skilled facilitator to keep the session productive and focused.