Up-to-date way of problem solving

Six Thinking Hats - Edward de Bono

White - Neutral/Objective

Red - Emotional/Intuitive

Black - Negative/Weaknesses

Yellow - Positive/Optimistic

Green - Creativity/Ideas

Blue - Control/Process

For around 2300 years we have used argument, in all it's glory, as the main component when it comes to problem solving. Edward de Bono, English Physician, has developed a new method which brings problem solving into the 21st century. His Six Thinking Hats method has proven to be more efficient and productive than it's predecessor, arguing, in all it's applications. This ranges from 4 year old lessons to some of the largest corporations in the world.

The idea is to mould everyone into a system of thinking which generates more co-operation and reduces ego-driven input into a problem. The method uses the six mind sets (listed above) allowing everyone to put forward their opinion with confidence. The hats act as guidelines to promote a thorough way of thinking about problems. It ensures that everyone is thinking in the same direction and makes sure everyone is happy with the solution.

This book is insightful into how we solve problems as designers. Sometimes a designer may get attached to a project which could possibly hinder the process and thus the outcome. Through the language of Six Thinking Hats this means the designer has been thinking too much through his/her red hat. It's a good idea to use all of the six hats in order to get the best perspective on an idea, as suggested by Edward de Bono. It's an interesting method and one I imagine could work well if understood properly. The Six Thinking Hats seem stupid at first but the visuals and colours make them easy to understand and remember, when applied to teaching, as well as referring to the term thinking caps.