Overview

Paradigm Breaking Techniques

To develop fantasies that may help teams generate novel ideas. The 'fantasy analogy' mechanism employed in synectics can lead to powerful paradigm shifts.

1. Rich Pictures

Look at problems from a totally different perspective to change group thinking patterns. Uses visual metaphors for current and future situations.

  • • Develop a problem statement
  • • Draw/select two metaphorical pictures (Current & Future)
  • • Explain the meaning and reasons
  • • Generate new ideas from descriptions

2. Imagining

Make a clear and detailed mental picture of the final, implemented solution to break out of current constraints.

  • • Elaborate on the idea in your mind
  • • Visualize it working in practice
  • • Run through the scenario over and over again

1 Develop Problem Statement

2 Symbol Database

Select a target canvas below, then click a symbol to assign it as a metaphor.

Current Situation

Select an icon from the database

Future Situation

Select an icon from the database

3 Generate New Ideas

The Imagining Workspace

Make a clear and detailed picture of the final, implemented solution. Elaborate on the idea in your mind. Visualize it working in practice over and over again.

1. The Perfect End State

Describe the final implemented solution in vivid detail. What does it look like?

2. In Practice

Visualize it working. Who is interacting with it? How does it feel? What are the sounds/sights?

3. Iteration & Refinement

As you play this over in your head, what small details or problems arise? How are they naturally solved in this perfect future?

Rich Pictures Case Study

Problem: How to get all staff to deal with complaints more effectively

Current Situation Metaphor

The Deskbound Office

Attributes
  • Different people dealing with same problem in different ways at different levels
  • Deskbound
  • Levels of authority & Sleeves down
  • Away from problem

Future Situation Metaphor

The Ringmaster in a Circus

Attributes
  • Trying to get all and sundry to perform
  • Flamboyant & Looks in control
  • Has a whip
  • Large teeth and big mouth (Stereotyped figure)

Generated Ideas from Metaphors

Better communication amongst staff (big mouth and teeth)
Training (the whip)
Make it entertaining (circus idea)
Change of environment
Turn work into a circus
Laugh about things

Local Entrepreneur Case Study

Problem: How can a local startup convince elderly hawkers (e.g., Mak Cik Kiah's Nasi Lemak) to adopt digital ordering & cashless systems?

Current Situation Metaphor

The Flooded Night Market (Pasar Malam Hujan)

Attributes
  • Chaotic, shouting orders across the stall
  • Cash getting wet/dirty while handling food
  • Mental fatigue from remembering custom orders ("Tak nak kacang, lebih sambal")
  • Stressful environment, customers impatient

Future Situation Metaphor

The Smart Toll Gate (RFID Smartlane)

Attributes
  • Seamless flow, no stopping to exchange cash
  • Automatic tracking of who paid
  • Clear audio signals (Beep!)
  • Less friction, fast-moving queues

Generated Ideas from Metaphors

Audio Payment Soundbox (like the RFID beep, so Mak Cik doesn't need to check her phone)
Waterproof, physical buttons (to survive the "flooded market" environment)
Color-coded receipt printing (Red for spicy, Green for no peanuts)
Tap-and-Go loyal customer tags

Simulation Activity

Apply Paradigm Breaking Techniques in a 30-minute timeboxed session. Use this workspace to record and share your outcomes.

30:00

Your Outcome

Use the 30 minutes to develop a new paradigm using Rich Pictures or Imagining. Summarize your final ideas here and share them with the group.

Shared Board

No outcomes shared yet.
Submit yours to see it here!

Class Activity: Subjective Assessment

Reflect on the Paradigm Breaking Techniques presentation and answer the following 5 subjective questions.

Q1. What is the main purpose of utilizing Paradigm Breaking Techniques in a team or organizational setting?

Q2. Explain the core concept of the "Rich Pictures" technique and how looking from a completely different perspective helps change group thinking patterns.

Q3. In the "Rich Pictures" approach, why is it necessary to develop metaphors for both the current situation and the future situation?

Q4. Describe the "Imagining" technique. How does elaborating on a clear, detailed mental picture of the final solution assist in problem-solving?

Q5. How do you think the "fantasy analogy" mechanism (often used in Synectics) contributes to breaking existing paradigms? Provide a brief example.