Creative Problem Solving: Evaluation Matrix

This is another post about my learnings in creative thinking and creative problem solving (CPS).

The least used and thus understood tool in creative thinking are the convergent tools. Given that, I want to discuss one of the ways you can select the best idea derived from your brainstorming that fits your purpose. It is the evaluation matrix. It is similar to the Hamilton or Jefferson lists.

The basic way you would use the matrix is as follows:

1. Generate criteria by diverging (see previous post about divergent thinking rules).
   
2. Converge on the important criteria to use (see previous posts about convergent).
3. Phrase criteria so they all point in the same direction (higher means positive, so if your criteria was negative to begin with, change it around so it is positive).
4. Evaluate all options from your brainstorming for one criteria, then evaluate all options for the next criteria, repeat.

Note: Weighting can be used if needed.

Hopefully this will help. I have seen this used for many things outside of CPS. Seems like a common sense thing, but many many people have an "a-ha" moment when it is explained to them. A cohort of mine used it many times when showing options to customers of his construction company. It worked well for him.


Stay creative,

~Jeff