SCAMPER
Run an idea through seven prompts: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse.
- Start with one existing idea or product.
- Apply each prompt in turn.
- Capture every variation that appears.
Home/ Tools & Frameworks
Tools and frameworks for better ideas
A practical toolkit of idea generation frameworks, brainstorming methods, planning templates and creative techniques. Each one is described so you can apply it right away.
Idea generation
Idea generation frameworks
Structured prompts that help you produce more and better ideas on demand.
The 10-Ideas Method
Force quantity before quality by listing ten ideas around a single prompt, even imperfect ones.
- Write a clear, specific prompt.
- List ten ideas without judging.
- Refine the best two or three later.
Random Combination
Pair two unrelated concepts to spark unexpected, original directions you would not reach directly.
- Pick two unrelated words or themes.
- Ask how they could connect.
- Develop the most interesting overlap.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming methods
Ways to explore a problem widely before narrowing toward a decision.
Mind Mapping
Branch outward from a central idea to reveal connections and sub-topics visually.
- Write the core topic in the center.
- Add branches for related themes.
- Keep expanding promising branches.
Brainwriting
Write ideas silently before discussing, so quieter thinkers contribute fully and ideas stay diverse.
- Set a clear prompt and a timer.
- Everyone writes ideas independently.
- Share and build on each other's notes.
Role Storming
Generate ideas from another perspective, such as a customer or competitor, to escape your defaults.
- Choose a perspective to adopt.
- Ask how they would solve it.
- Translate insights back to your case.
Planning
Planning templates
Described outlines you can recreate in any notebook or document to turn ideas into plans.
One-Page Project Outline
A single page that captures the essentials of any project so you can start with clarity.
- Goal: the outcome you want.
- Why: the reason it matters.
- Steps: the first three actions.
- Done: how you'll know it's complete.
Weekly Priorities Sheet
A simple structure to choose what matters each week and keep daily work aligned.
- Top 3 priorities for the week.
- Key tasks under each priority.
- Daily focus for each day.
- End-of-week review notes.
Idea Evaluation Grid
A quick way to compare ideas against the criteria that matter most to you.
- List ideas in rows.
- Add criteria as columns.
- Rate each idea simply.
- Compare totals to shortlist.
Action Roadmap
A lightweight roadmap that turns a goal into sequenced, time-bound milestones.
- Define the end milestone.
- Work backward into stages.
- Assign a rough timeframe.
- Review and adjust regularly.
Creative thinking
Creative thinking techniques
Simple mental moves to break out of stuck thinking and see fresh angles.
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Ask better questions
Reframe a problem as several different questions to open new paths.
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Constrain on purpose
Add a limit, such as time or budget, to force more inventive solutions.
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Change the scale
Imagine the idea ten times bigger or smaller to reveal new options.
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These tools and templates are described for general educational use. They are not downloadable products and do not constitute professional advice. Adapt them freely to your own context.
Put these tools to work
Generate ideas, then plan and execute them with the right systems and mindset.