The document discusses various creativity techniques for problem-solving, including brainstorming, nominal group technique, mind mapping, affinity diagrams, and criteria matrices. It outlines specific rules and steps for effective brainstorming, the use of mind maps for organizing thoughts, and methods for prioritizing and categorizing ideas. Each technique is described with its benefits and applications in project management and decision-making.

1. Eng. Mohamed El-Wardany – PMP
Project Management Consultation
E-mail: maelwardany@gmail.com
Management Tools

2. Creativity Techniques

3. Brainstorming

4. • It is a group or individual creativity technique by which
efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem
by gathering a list of ideas.
What is Brainstorming?

5. • Focus on quantity
• Withhold criticism
• Welcome unusual ideas
• Combine and improve ideas
Rules for best brainstorming

6. 1. Guide the Discussion
2. Clearly define the topic to be brainstormed.
3. Aim to generate as many ideas as possible in 20-30
minutes.
4. Don't change, criticize or evaluate any idea.
5. Encourage each member to present as many ideas as
possible.
6. Keep going until all ideas have been presented.
7. Sorting/Ranking Ideas
7 Steps to Effective Brainstorming

7. Nominal group technique
NGT

8. • It is a structured form of brainstorming that results in the
generation and prioritization of ideas.
• It is particularly useful when a large group is involved in the
brainstorming process and when there is a need to take a
brainstormed list and prioritized it.
Nominal Group Technique

9. Example

10. Mind Mapping

11. • Mind Map: it is basically a diagram that connects information around
a central subject.
What is Mind Mapping?

12. • More brain friendly.
• Easy to review, it can at once give you an overview of a large
subject. (without review lose 80% within 24 hours).
• You can generate ideas very quickly with this technique and
are encouraged to explore different creative pathways.
• Find deeper meaning in your subject, and also prompt you
to fill in more or find what you're missing.
Why we use Mind Mapping?

13. • Start with a large piece of paper in a landscape position.
• Create a large colourful central image
• Create main branches for ideas in different colours ( use the same
colour for sub branches)
• Use key words only and adapt the size of the word based on
importance
• Use images that remind you of the key topics
• Use arrows and symbols to connect ideas
• Leave space to add to your mind map
• Find a style which works for you.
How to create a mind map?

14. How to create a mind map?

15. Examples:

16. Examples:

17. Examples:

18. Examples:

19. Affinity Diagram

20. • It is a graphic tool designed to help organize loose, unstructured
ideas generated in brainstorming or problem solving meetings.
Benefit:
• It shows the relationships between information, opinions,
problems, solutions, issues, contributing factors, and more by
placing them in related groupings.
Affinity Diagram

21. • Record each idea on cards or notes.
• Look for ideas that seem to be related.
• Sort cards into groups until all cards have been used.
Process

22. Example

23. Criteria Matrix

24. • It is a project planning tool that is used to weigh several items against
another, by identifying the relative importance.
Benefits:
1. Weighting criteria
2. Prioritization
3. Making decisions
Criteria Matrix