Any innovative solution is built upon at least one commonly overlooked (i.e., obscure) feature of the problem at hand. If a solution involved nothing obscure, we would not call it innovative.
Based on the OFH, my research program systematically engages in the following steps:
My dissertation presented the first technique, the generic parts technique, to successfully counter the classic obstacle functional fixedness. Many other obstacles and techniques will be presented in this blog.
The Harvard Business Review posted a blog on the OFH and overcoming functional fixedness.
Based on the OFH, my research program systematically engages in the following steps:
- Name the cognitive obstacles to noticing the obscure (e.g., functional fixedness, design fixation, assumption blindness)
- Create a counter technique for each cognitive obstacle.
- Test the techniques experimentally that they uncover more obscure features.
- Apply the techniques to real-world problems.
- Teach companies and individuals how to do the techniques.
My dissertation presented the first technique, the generic parts technique, to successfully counter the classic obstacle functional fixedness. Many other obstacles and techniques will be presented in this blog.
The Harvard Business Review posted a blog on the OFH and overcoming functional fixedness.