divergent critical thinking examples

15 Divergent Thinking Examples

Divergent thinking is problem-solving that involves generating unusual or unconventional solutions to problems. This is a type of thinking that is flexible, adaptive, and novel.

By looking at a situation from a unique perspective we may experience a “light-bulb” moment that inspires a unique solution. It is the opposite of convergent thinking, which involves finding one solution that is usually based on logic and linear thinking.

This can lead to amazing inventions such as the mobile phone or a simple fix to a simple problem like using a coin to tighten a screw.

Definition of Divergent Thinking

The term divergent thinking was first coined by J.P. Guilford in 1956. In many ways, divergent thinking is synonymous with creative problem-solving .

Guilford was interested in testing for divergent thinking skills, so he designed the Alternative Uses Task , sometimes also called Guilford’s Test of Divergent Thinking .

The test is quite simple. Present a person with a normal, everyday object, and ask them to generate as many uses for that object as possible within a certain period of time. Although the testing process is fairly straightforward, the scoring is more complicated. Each answer is awarded points on four dimensions: fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration.

divergent thinking visual representation

Examples of Divergent Thinking

1. using a coin as a flathead screwdriver.

Sometimes we might not have the right size screwdriver to tighten the screw of a shelf or cupboard door. We could call a neighbor and ask to borrow one of their tools, or we could just reach into our pocket and pull out some coins. One of them is bound to work.

This is an example of using a coin in an unusual and creative way. That fits the definition of divergent thinking quite well. It may not seem like the most profound example of creativity , but it does the trick. It solves the problem in a unique way and that’s the very definition of divergent thinking.

2. Digging with a Fork

A fork is used to eat. However, if you were to think of new ways to use it, you would be engaging in divergent thinking.

One alternative way you might use a fork is to dig a hole. By using the fork as a shovel, you have found a creative solution to your lack of a shovel. Another person might get the fork and decide to use it as an engraving tool and start writing words into the side of a tree. Here, again, they have used divergent thinking.

Teachers will often use everyday implements like this and ask students to think of as many ways as they can to use the implements. By doing this task, teachers are encouraging students to think creatively and avoid the trap of functional fixedness .

3. Influencer Marketing

Central to divergent thinking is brainstorming . This is the process through which you come to new solutions to old problems.

For example, a brainstorming session might lead someone in a workplace to come up with a new way to market their old product. Instead of using traditional marketing techniques, they might go against the grain by giving their product to influencers and ask influencers to show the product to their Instagram or Tik Tok audience.

In fact, marketing is a job that requires divergent thinking all the time. Marketing is a saturated field with every company wanting to get their products in front of your eyes. If you can come up with a new type of television ad or marketing method that stands out from the crowd, you’ve probably been a very successful divergent thinker.

4. The Folding Bike

In 1887, the folding bike was invented by Emmit Latta as a way to make bikes more mobile.

While bicycles are great for getting us from Point A to Point B quickly, what do we do once we have arrived? They are quite clunky, can’t be taken onto public transport, and take up a lot of space when they’re stored.

Latta’s intelligent invention solved a lot of the problems we have with storing and moving bikes around. Now, there are even bikes you can carry on your back then unpack when it’s time to speed from Point A to Point B!

5. The Little Black Dress

Is there a woman alive today in the Western world that does not have an LBD? It is a black evening or cocktail dress made with a simple cut and is usually a bit short. The creator of the little black dress is none other than Coco Channel (Steele, 1988).

Although today it is considered an essential part of any walk-in closet, there was a time when it took the fashion world by storm. Back in the 1920s, Coco wanted to create something that was versatile and affordable to all. Those were concepts in the fashion world that were completely unheard of, and hence, represented divergent thinking at its finest.

Divergent thinking doesn’t have to involve complexity or high-tech inventions; a nice fabric, cut the right way, will do just fine.

6. Synectics

Synectics may sound like an odd term, but it is actually a very useful way of fostering divergent thinking. The procedure is quite simple. Select a page on the internet at random. It doesn’t matter what type of website it is, just as long as it has a fair amount of text.

Then, close your eyes, take your index finger, move it in a circle a few times and then point it to a spot on the page. Write down the word your finger lands on. Repeat the process from the beginning one more time so that you end up with two words.

Now, try to think of things that could be described by those two words. Or, put them together to form a new word. For instance, if you have “purveyor” and “exception”, what objects or concepts could have connections to both? If you formed a new word, what could it mean?

7. The Smartphone

Although most people think the smartphone was invented by Steve Jobs, that would be incorrect. The first iteration of the smartphone was by IBM in 1994. It was huge and bulky, but it had a touchscreen and even a few apps.

Since then, the smartphone has evolved into an amazing device that can do just about anything: it can take photos, be used to play games with incredible graphics, track your movements wherever you go, and soon, be able to conduct various medical diagnostic tests. Oh, and it can make phone calls as well.

Each of those features represent another milestone in the smartphone’s evolution and another example of divergent thinking.

8. Brainstorming

Brainstorming just may be the most frequently exercised form of divergent thinking. The basic idea is to gather a group of people together, pencil and paper in hand, and for everyone to just write down as many ideas as they can related to a specific topic.

No one is to speak out loud for a few minutes until time is up. Everyone is instructed to just write whatever comes to mind, without fear of sounding foolish or having their ideas rejected by others.

It has become a common practice in most R&D departments of corporations around the world. It is so vital to the creation of new products and inventions, that there is a small niche market of boutique consulting enterprises that specialize in helping companies utilize divergent thinking to their advantage.

9. Children’s Creative Play

Watching young children at play is like witnessing a continuous flow of divergent thinking. A cardboard box is a house, a plane, a bulldozer and a cave where you can hide from dinosaurs.

Simply following a young child throughout their day will provide plenty more examples of children’s amazing abilities to imagine and create. They’re thinking is not constrained by reality and the narrowly defined functions of the objects they encounter. Any thing can become anything.

There is no doubt about it, children are the masters of divergent thinking. And then, they grow up. Surprisingly, some research indicates that developing executive control, a sign of cognitive development, actually inhibits divergent thinking (Vaisarova & Carlson, 2021).

10. Coffee Coke

There is probably no industry that attempts divergent thinking more than the modern-day beverage industry. For decades, there were basically a handful of carbonated beverages to choose from: Coke, Pepsi, and a few others.

However, today, if you go to the refrigerated section of a supermarket or convenience store, you will literally see a hundred different options. There are juices, teas, coffees, sodas, caffeine-infused drinks, vitamin-infused drinks, caffeine drinks infused with vitamins, and the list goes on, and on. The number of choices can be overwhelming.

Maybe one of the most unique iterations of the cold-beverage offerings is Coffee Coke. It’s a can of cold coke infused with Brazilian coffee. So, if the caffeine from Coke isn’t enough, you can add a jolt of coffee too.

11. Thinking of Ways to Make Money

If a teenager asks their parents to buy them a car, one response they might get is “to get a job”. Learning to be independent is a goal that most parents have for their children; nothing wrong with that.

One obvious solution that represents convergent thinking is to start applying at local stores and restaurants. Nothing wrong with that either. However, if the teenager is a bit creative then they may think of other, less conventional methods to raise cash.

Brainstorming other ways to make money could lead to starting a small lawn-care business, washing and waxing cars, pressure-washing patios, or editing videos for your friends’ vlogs and Tik Tok posts.

12. Using a Hot Glue Stick

Believe it or not, a glue stick is a very handy household tool. It can fix a variety of problems that may crop up from time to time. For example, after a while, the rubber insulation that lines the inside of the refrigerator’s doors may come loose. This means the doors won’t close properly and all of your favorite cold-storage foods will spoil.

No need to throw away the frig and buy a new one. Just break-out the trusty hot glue stick and apply the hot glue between the door and rubber lining. Hold the lining firmly in place for 30-seconds, and mission accomplished.

13. Internalizing Pluralism

If you spend the first 30 years of your life in one country, most likely you will adopt the customs and ways of thinking of that culture. It’s natural. We live around people that think and act in certain ways, so we do too. There’s nothing wrong with that.

But, of course, there is more than one perspective on life out there. If you move to another country that has a completely different culture, in a way, it’s like entering an entire world of divergent thinking.

To illustrate this point, consider the words of Bruce Lee: “The American life is like an Oak tree—he stands firm against the wind. If the wind is strong, he cracks. The Oriental stands like bamboo, bending with the wind and springing back when the wind ceases, stronger than ever before” (Little, 2017, p. 25).

This is an example of divergent thinking by internalizing a different culture.

See Also: Pluralism in Sociological Theory

14. Children’s Play

From about the age of 4, children start engaging in divergent thinking during playtime. They come up with creative storylines and plots that embrace fantasy and magic. During this playtime, children use the things around them and utilize them in ways entirely unexpected by adults.

For example, a child might use a block of wood and push it along the floor, pretending it’s a car. Here, a child found something that isn’t generally thought of as a toy, and turned it into a toy in order to entertain themselves. They used this block of wood in a way divergent from the norm to enhance their play!

Children can be particularly good at divergent thinking because social norms are not as solidified in their minds yet. They don’t see things as having clear-cut purposes until they have been socialized into it later in life.

15. Survival of the Fittest

Developing a unique and profound insight into the evolution of all living organisms must surely be considered an example of divergent thinking. The concept of survival of the fittest postulates that the living creature that is most capable of adapting to environmental demands has the highest likelihood of propagating the species.

Although made famous by Charles Darwin (1869), Herbert Spencer was the first to actually use the term survival of the fittest . He stated, “This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr. Darwin has called ‘natural selection’, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life” (Spencer, 1864, pp. 444-445).

Divergent vs Convergent Thinking

comparison of divergent and convergent thinking

Divergent thinking and convergent thinking are opposites. They represent two different types of thinking that are each valuable in different situations.

Divergent thinking is all about finding new ideas. The term ‘divergent’ comes from ‘diverge’, meaning to separate from the norm. It involves brainstorming, thinking outside of the norm, and thinking creatively to find solutions to problems. It also often involves finding new ways to tackle existing problems and use existing tools.

Convergent thinking is about gathering facts to come up with an answer or solution. It’s seen as the opposite of divergent thinking because you’re gathering information together to come up with one single solution rather than searching around and comparing multiple different solutions.

While convergent thinking is primarily analytical, divergent thinking is primarily creative.

Divergent thinking means generating a novel solution and avoiding simplistic or binary thinking on an issue. It is usually creative and unconventional because it does not conform to linear thinking processes. This can mean using an object in an usual way or seeing how two unrelated concepts can be combined to create something never before considered.

History is full of examples of divergent thinking, such as the numerous iterations of the smartphone that included adding a screen, Apps, internet access, and a camera. Other examples can be found in the world of fashion or observed in a children’s playroom and a magical cardboard box.

Human beings really are an amazing species. Now, if we could only invent something to ensure world peace.

Clapham, M. M. (2003). The development of innovative ideas through creativity training. In Shavinina, L.V. (Ed.). The International Handbook on Innovation (pp. 366-376). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008044198-6/50025-5

Darwin, C. (1869). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection: or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life . London: J. Murray, Fifth edition.

Guilford, J. P. (1956). The structure of intellect. Psychological Bulletin , 53 (4), 267. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0040755

Little, J. (Ed.). (2017). Words of the dragon: Interviews, 1958-1973 . Tuttle Publishing.

Lee, B. (2018). Bruce Lee artist of life: Inspiration and insights from the world’s greatest martial artist (Vol. 6). Tuttle Publishing.

Runco, M. A., & Acar, S. (2019). Divergent thinking. In J. C. Kaufman & R. J. Sternberg (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of creativity (pp. 224–254). Cambridge University Press. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316979839.013

Spencer, H. (1864). The Principles of Biology. Vol. I. London: Williams and Norgate. System of Synthetic Philosophy , 2 .

Steele, V. (1988). Paris fashion: A cultural history. Oxford University Press. Vaisarova, J., & Carlson, S. M. (2021). When a spoon is not a spoon: Examining the role of executive function in young children’s divergent thinking. Trends in Neuroscience and Education , 25 , 100161. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tine.2021.100161

Dave Cornell (PhD)

Dr. Cornell has worked in education for more than 20 years. His work has involved designing teacher certification for Trinity College in London and in-service training for state governments in the United States. He has trained kindergarten teachers in 8 countries and helped businessmen and women open baby centers and kindergartens in 3 countries.

Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 25 Positive Punishment Examples
Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 25 Dissociation Examples (Psychology)
Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ 15 Zone of Proximal Development Examples
Dave Cornell (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/dave-cornell-phd/ Perception Checking: 15 Examples and Definition

Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Positive Punishment Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 25 Dissociation Examples (Psychology)
Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link 15 Zone of Proximal Development Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) #molongui-disabled-link Perception Checking: 15 Examples and Definition

How divergent thinking can drive your creativity

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What is divergent thinking?

Divergent versus convergent thinking, the pros and cons of divergent thinking, 4 divergent thinking examples, 3 tips for implementing divergent thinking, there’s a divergent thinker in everyone.

You come up with creative solutions more than you might think.

Perhaps you ran out of time on a task and had to come up with a way to get things done faster. Maybe a project at work shifted around and you had to make changes on the fly. Or when your car broke down right before a road trip, and you opted for an adventure via train instead.

Not every problem has an obvious solution, and when an issue requires creative problem-solving, you have to come up with innovative plan Bs and Cs. When you think outside of the box and analyze different solutions, you’re practicing divergent thinking.

When you harness your ability to think divergently while confronting obstacles in your personal life or the workplace, you generate creative solutions and learn from the outcome. If you’re looking to increase innovation and flex your problem-solving skills , honing this ability can help.

Divergent thinking, sometimes called lateral thinking , is the process of generating multiple solutions for a problem before deciding on the best one . This type of thought is generally non-linear and free-flowing, meaning that there’s no defined route for arriving at a decision. The divergent brain doesn’t seek one “correct” answer but an innovative, unexpected solution.

Here are some characteristics of people with divergent minds:

They love to brainstorm
They’re curious
They can generate new, unique ideas
They have a growth mindset
They’re receptive to feedback and use it to improve
They thrive in the face of challenges because they’re adaptable
They’re unafraid to make informed risks
They work well independently or with others to develop solutions

Keep in mind that divergent thinking is a skill that you can build, not an innate personality trait . It might take practice to learn how to seek unique solutions if it doesn’t come naturally to you, but that doesn’t make it impossible to learn.

Whereas divergent thinking aims to generate multiple innovative solutions, its opposite, convergent thinking, focuses on landing on one “right” idea . Its structured decision-making process is often easier to follow, but it could miss out on exciting solutions.

Convergent thinking’s direct, to-the-point style is:

Non-ambiguous
Quick
Linear
Efficient
Logical
Good for problems that have tried-and-tested solutions

Divergent thinking’s out-of-the-box, generative style is:

Creative
Exploratory
Excellent for teams with different points of view
Often more time-intensive
Sometimes more impulsive

focused-woman-thinking-on-problem-in-office

You might associate terms like “creative” and “out-of-the-box” with trailblazing thinking that leads to advances and inventions. And while divergent thinking often does generate one-of-a-kind solutions and encourage collaboration , this creative problem-solving route might unnecessarily complicate some tasks.

Here’s more on the pros and cons of divergent thinking:

Divergent thinking thrives in situations where the best solution is the most innovative one. That’s because this thought style:

Takes the time necessary to generate a new idea

Divergent thinkers often try multiple solutions to a problem, even if there’s already a clear, established solution to an issue that the person or team could repeat. This takes time, but when teams challenge themselves to push past obvious answers, they innovate instead of taking the quickest — but not necessarily best — route.

Helps teams bond

Everyone on your team thinks differently and has exciting ideas to offer, even if they aren’t solutions that naturally make sense to you. Take advantage of this cognitive diversity to find new solutions and promote team bonding at the same time.

Giving all teammates a chance to share and defend their answers empowers and includes them. Through the process, you open your mind to a range of thinking and communication styles and invite team members to do the same.

Promotes flexibility

Successful ways of working tend to stagnate, but what functioned well for a series of marketing campaigns might not continue to grab your audience’s attention as time goes on. Instead of sticking to past solutions, use a divergent brainstorming process and push your team to try new possibilities.

When you practice divergent thinking, you’re also more likely to adapt . If you’re already in the habit of generating innovative solutions, your instinct will be to react to roadblocks flexibly instead of following a route just because it’s what you planned. And according to an article in the Clinical Psychology Review, cognitive flexibility goes hand in hand with other strengths like identity development and emotional regulation .

Creates new opportunities

As you and your team think of new ideas in the divergent brainstorming process, you might identify opportunities adjacent to the current project. Even if they aren’t relevant in the moment, they could be worth pursuing in the future.

While coming up with ideas for a marketing campaign, the group may discover the opportunity for a new product that would resonate with the target audience. The team can’t develop that product now because the company has other priorities, but it could be an excellent value-add down the road.

Although divergent processes are great ways to expand your thinking, they could take time and lack organization . If you have to make a decision quickly and logically, this method might hold you back. Here’s why:

If you don’t have much time to make a decision, chances are you can’t adequately weigh various options. This may cause you to preemptively choose a course of action without thinking it fully through. And if you use up your decision-making time brainstorming, you may lose precious planning time, which could lead to an under-researched approach to a project.

Encourages analysis paralysis

Brainstorming is kind of like dreaming. Imagining long-term outcomes is exciting and fun, and dreaming big could give you ideas you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. But routine decisions don’t require this kind of lofty creative thinking .

If you approach every decision from a divergent angle, you may find yourself constantly stuck at a crossroads or paralyzed by options. It could overcomplicate even minor choices, like the best way to organize a simple spreadsheet.

Loses focus

Imagine a scenario in which your team is trying to create a winning idea for an email campaign, and during your brainstorming session, you drift to generating plans for social media. The ideas for your social media strategy may be excellent, but they aren’t helping your team make the decision at hand.

While it might be a good thing to come up with new directions, it distracts from your current tasks. You can avoid this flaw of the divergent thought process by keeping strict meeting agendas and saving potential ideas for future discussion.

Scatters action steps

A thought process that’s too broad can lead to action items that are unrealistic or don’t make sense. If your team comes up with divergent ideas for each step of the work, the route to your project goals will look like a series of roads that branch off in different directions rather than a straight line. Be sure to identify a clear aim and causal steps to reaching it.

Divergent thinking seems simple: you have a problem, generate multiple solutions, and land on the best route forward. But brainstorming big ideas takes more than just those three steps, and if you aren’t familiar with divergent processes, it might be hard to visualize.

Here are four examples of divergent thinking for large projects:

1. Designing a marketing campaign

Your team must design a series of email marketing campaigns to expand your more traditional clothing brand to a progressive, hip audience. The group gathers for a brainstorming session where no ideas are off-limits.

One person suggests an email that shows how to style pieces to recreate iconic looks from movies. Another recommends talking up the company’s sustainability initiatives, which would resonate with the conscientious target audience. By thinking of varying ideas that lean toward the same goal, your team is working divergently.

2. Creating an application feature

Your development team needs to create a banking app feature that helps users control their spending. The most straightforward solution might be making a screen that graphs expenditures and savings, which would work, but it doesn’t set you apart from competitors.

In a divergent brainstorming session, one person might suggest motivational messages that pop up on the user’s phone when they’ve done an excellent job saving that week. Another might recommend creating a feature that lets users set a spending limit and alerts them when they get close.

The team may opt for a hybrid of both solutions, keeping users on track with both spending and saving. This outcome is more compelling and innovative than the straightforward idea the team came up with at first.

3. Planning an event

You’ve been to dozens of team bonding events with the same type of food, decor, and music. Now it’s time for you to plan an outing for your team, and you want to do something different.

You survey the group and encourage everyone to respond as creatively as possible. As the results pour in, you gather creative ideas for off-sites, like participating in a fun run as a relay team or having a museum night. These aren’t events you’d have thought of, but bringing in ideas from different minds helps you expand your repertoire.

4. Creating a product

Your design team wants to create a sustainable furniture line. You meet to generate ideas, and the first ones to surface involve upcycling vintage pieces. But before establishing a plan to find and refurbish used items, a team member suggests that this idea could be unwieldy, time-consuming, and result in an unpredictable product line.

To overcome this roadblock, you have to think divergently. Someone else suggests sourcing recycled materials for manufacturing, like plastic or wood scraps to repurpose. And another offers using materials from the company’s unsold stock. In the process, the team excitedly envisions the marketing angle for these new products, a title for the furniture line, and campaign ideas.

If you’re facing a tricky problem and want to create an innovative solution, you may want to try divergent thinking. But if you classically think convergently or aren’t sure how to begin with divergent models, these three tips can help:

1. Learn how to brainstorm effectively

Brainstorming — alone or in a team — is an excellent way to get the divergent juices flowing. When a non-urgent problem comes up, let yourself experiment to practice thinking of new ideas. Generate concepts you may throw out later. All thoughts are valid in this process.

If you’re doing this with a team, hold a meeting and flush out ideas on a whiteboard, or have everyone write out any solution that comes to mind. You could even create a shared digital document where people can leave ideas as they arise. Seeing everything in one place can help you find solutions.

2. Write ideas down

Journaling is an excellent way to foster divergent thinking, even when you don’t immediately have an issue to solve. Try a free-writing exercise in which you pen whatever comes to mind — from notes on your day to ideas for future work initiatives. Then, when a problem arises, you can use your journaling skills to generate potential solutions.

Your journal is a private place where anything goes, and working this way to create ideas can take the pressure off. Instead of tossing out solutions that aren’t viable or feeling like you need to land on a “perfect” solution, you can approach problem-solving with less fear , which could lead to out-of-the-box thinking.

3. Practice mind-mapping

According to a 2002 study, mind mapping can increase information retention by 10–15% , which is helpful when you’re trying to juggle many ideas at once. A mind map is a diagram in which you can arrange ideas around a central concept. For example, you could place “new marketing campaign” at the core and group ideas on different branches around it. Email ideas could go on one branch, social media on another, and so on.

Mind maps are what you make them. They support divergent thinking because they drive brainstorming in an organized structure, and it’s customizable to your needs. If your brain prefers to divide up a marketing mind map by outreach platform, that works. If visualizing each branch as a different stage of the marketing process is more functional for you, that’s valid, too. The goal is to write down ideas without letting any slip.

No matter how straightforward your line of thinking may be, you can come up with innovative ideas. You just have to tap into your divergent thinking skills.

The next time a problem arises and you have time to generate unique solutions, put the ideas you’d commonly choose to the side and start brainstorming, free-writing, or talking through your potential plans with others. You won’t always need to make decisions this way, but it’s good practice when you need to innovate.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

How to develop critical thinking skills

Can dreams help you solve problems 6 ways to try, what’s convergent thinking how to be a better problem-solver, what is creative thinking and why does it matter, social learning theory: bandura’s hypothesis (+ examples), all-or-nothing thinking: 3 ways to stop throwing in the towel, what is the law of attraction and how do you use it, how to stop negative self-talk: 9 tips to calm your inner voice, the power of positive self talk (and how you can use it), similar articles, thinking outside the box: 8 ways to become a creative problem solver, what is lateral thinking 7 techniques to encourage creative ideas, 8 brainstorming techniques to harness the power of teamwork, what’s an internal monologue, and how does it help, how to improve your creative skills for effective problem-solving, 8 creative solutions to your most challenging problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Divergent Thinking: What It Is, How It Works

“Bring Your Weird,” is one of the values at Panzura , a cloud-management software company based in San Jose, California. “We believe that different thinking is what makes us awesome, and we encourage everyone to be their authentic self at all times,” said Ed Peters, chief innovation officer.

What Is Divergent Thinking?

This “different thinking,” also known as divergent thinking, has resulted in many effective decisions for Panzura, including moving the company’s entire product-development and quality-assurance efforts to its Mexican nearshore unit, rather than nearshoring only parts of the process.

More on Leadership Skills 11 Essential Leadership Qualities for the Future of Work

In the 1950s, psychologist J.P. Guildford came up with the concept of convergent and divergent thinking . Convergent thinking is organized and linear, following certain steps to reach a single solution to a problem. Divergent thinking is more free-flowing and spontaneous, and it produces lots of ideas. Guilford considered divergent thinking more creative because of its ability to yield many solutions to problems.

“Divergent thinking is the ability to generate alternatives,” said Spencer Harrison, associate professor of organizational behavior at management school Insead. Divergent thinkers question the status quo. They reject “we’ve always done it this way” as a reason, he said.

Divergent thinking can and should involve convergent thinking, said Peters of Panzura. The two ways of thinking “are a yin and yang that can become a virtuous cycle and a source of great pride for the team members that create ideas, products and moments.”

Characteristics of Divergent Thinking

“All true thinking is divergent,” said Chris Nicholson, team lead at San Francisco-based Clipboard Health, which matches nurses with open shifts at healthcare facilities. “Everything else is imitation and doesn’t require thinking at all.”

Divergent thinking encompasses creativity, collaboration, open mindedness, attention to detail and other qualities.

Divergent thinking is creative , but it’s not creative thinking, which requires a complicated set of skills, Harrison said. Designers need to be empathetic to create suitable, organic solutions. That empathetic aspect of thinking is, in a way, divergent thinking because it leads to ideas, but it is not the sum and substance of divergent thinking, Harrison said.

“Engaging in divergent thinking while problem solving tends to result in more creative solutions.”

Divergent thinking and creativity are intertwined, said Taylor Sullivan, senior staff industrial-organizational psychologist at Codility , an HR tech company based in San Francisco. “Engaging in divergent thinking while problem solving tends to result in more creative solutions,” she said. “This is important because leader creativity has been shown to promote positive change and inspire followers,” she said. Creative problem-solving also enhances team performance, particularly when it involves brainstorming, Sullivan added.

“One of the key life lessons my father taught me was the importance of being willing to change your mind,” Sullivan said. Open-mindedness — the willingness to to consider new or different perspectives and ideas — is a hallmark of divergent thinking and is critical for effective leadership , she said.

Collaborative

Idea creation at Donut involves cross-department collaboration , said Arielle Shipper, vice president of operations at the New York-based company, which makes office communication tools. “We always pull in people from across the organization, even if the problem we’re working on doesn’t touch their direct role,” Shipper said. Representatives from product and engineering especially bring a perspective that helps tie products and the solutions, she said.

This collaboration involves getting input from everyone, even those who are reluctant to share thoughts, she said. “It’s important to me that everyone knows that their ideas are crucial for our work, even if they contradict what a more senior person is saying,” Shipper said. To spark conversation, she asks “is there anything you disagree with?” rather than “what do you think?” Asking the more tightly focused question, which Shipper calls a “simple but mindful shift in language” promotes a culture of acceptance and ideation.

Rethink Language

Along similar lines, Chris Nicholson and his team at Clipboard Health think divergently by escaping what he calls language traps, “when you realize that what’s happening is being obscured by the way people talk about it,” Nicholson said.

To illustrate: Clipboard Health believes that new hires should “raise the median” on the team they’re joining. That belief, though, led to rejecting people for the wrong reasons, for example not having a Ph.D on a team filled with Ph.Ds.

To get out of that language trap, the company settled on a multi-dimensional median for teams, meaning that candidates could excel in coding ability, humility or other skills .

Detail Oriented

“The devil is in the details,” said Leslie Ryan, managing director in cybersecurity and technology controls at JPMorgan Chase . “I have always thought outside the career and it has helped my career advance,” said Ryan, who has six direct reports and a team of 40.

Earlier in her career, Ryan’s employer wanted to outsource functions that many people thought couldn’t be outsourced. Trade support was one such function. “It typically required a person to be in proximity to the trader and details of the trade,” Ryan explained. By dissecting a trading assistant’s job, she was able to pinpoint certain functions, such as reconciliations and reporting, that could be outsourced.

“I tend to see the bigger picture — strategically and long term,” said Chris Noble, CEO of New York-based cloud-tech company Cirrus Nexus, who considers himself a divergent thinker. “I look at things from a perspective of not what we can’t do, but imagining what can be and where we need to go,” he said. The quality, which Noble attributes in part to his dyslexia, helps him visualize unique and forward-thinking products for Cirrus Nexus.

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Build Divergent Thinking Skills

Chris Nicholson of Clipboard Health honed his ability to think divergently when he was young; his family of six debated at the dinner table and his father enjoyed playing devil’s advocate. “That led us to see different perspectives,” he said. Nicholson thinks many people are able to think divergently, but perhaps are not in environments that foster it. Divergent thinking is “creative, reality focused, and persistent,” he said.

Ask Questions

When faced with a problem, Nicholson asks questions: “Why do we think this is a problem? What do we achieve if we solve it? What data, experience and customer interactions do we have that backs up our hypotheses?” This “discovery stage,” he said, helps management understand a problem before it builds solutions. “Explore the mystery first and relish the discomfort of not knowing, rather than building a plan based on misguided beliefs,” he said.

Let Thoughts Flow Freely

Free-flowing thought is a necessary step in divergent thinking, agreed Christine Andrukonis, founder and senior partner at leadership consultancy Notion Consulting, who considers divergent thinking a hallmark of leadership. “A great leader’s superpower is to be able to see into the future and anticipate what’s next, which requires divergent thinking,” she said.

“A great leader’s superpower is to be able to see into the future and anticipate what’s next, which requires divergent thinking.”

When presented with a problem, Andrukonis lets her thoughts flow freely and writes them down. Then she steps away to think about what she’s written down and perhaps identify patterns among the thoughts. She circles those patterns, steps away again, and then connects them to the bigger picture.

“My step-away moments are literally that — going for a walk, spending time with my family, or doing something creative like painting,” Andrukonis said. Stepping away does not involve a meeting or work-related task, she said.

Listen Actively

“When I face a problem, I innately begin thinking of different ways the problem can be solved,” said Daryl Hammett, general manager, global demand generation and operations at AWS , based in Seattle, Washington.

Soon after, though, Hammett starts tapping his team for feedback. “We always start with working back from the customers’ needs, so I actively seek the advice and viewpoints of a diverse range of people, listening to their thoughts about the problems, goals, and challenges they face,” he said.

By actively listening , he practices divergent thinking skills and builds solutions with his teams. “Problems are not linear,” he said. “They’re multi-dimensional and should be addressed from a variety of angles before the best solutions appear.”

To nurture divergent thinking, Hammett encourages his team to challenge him without fear of judgment. “I am always open to feedback and change,” he said. “Having two-way conversations helps me cut through the noise and put my people first.”

He also considers divergent thinking a mark of effective leadership — it helped him navigate the management challenges of the pandemic and helps lead his team with flexibility.

Both divergent and convergent thinking have their place in a leader’s skillset, said Spencer Harrison of Insead. Leaders who deal with stable and settled situations might benefit more from convergent thinking, while leaders with unstable, volatile environments might do well to think only divergently.

“What research suggests is that divergent thinking might help you see new possibilities, but you would still need convergent thinking to realize and execute on those possibilities,” he said. “That said, because education and organizations tend to over-reward conformity, divergent thinking is probably a bit more rare and therefore likely more valuable especially in the long run over the course of a career,” Harrison said.

Peters at Panzura has his own opinion. “Sometimes the divergent thinking path wins, much of the time it doesn’t,” he said. “We create more opportunities for divergence by repeating the saying: ‘You never lose. You win or you learn.’

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Why You Need to Practice Divergent Thinking

Now is the time for divergent thinking..

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As I wrote in The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative, No Matter Where You Work , “divergent thinking helps us generate many new ideas, imagine, be original, ask questions to spot problems, look for patterns, make unexpected connections, imagine, and see things from a variety of perspectives.”

Divergent thinking is ideational or visionary in nature. It involves rigorous gymnastics of the mind that lead to unexpected solutions. Divergent thinking spurs our thoughts beyond what exists, opening the door of thought to consider new possibilities.

Converge: Analyze Ideas and Form Solutions

Convergent thinking complements divergent thinking. We can take all the ideas and connections generated during divergence and probe them. Convergent thinking includes judgment. We weigh the options within a fixed set of information. We consider our particular situation, look at our goals and objectives, analyze the information before us, and decide what to do under the circumstances.

Most of us are well-practiced in convergent thinking. Much of school, especially with the growth of standardized tests, trains us almost exclusively in convergent thinking. As the use of these tests has increased and become more pressurized, teachers have adjusted their teaching styles to match them. Districts buy scripted curricula to align with test content, and many teachers are required to read straight from lesson plans without diverging.

Even more than before, convergent thinking dominates in our classrooms. Recent studies show that this is happening as early as preschool. Suffice it to say that we are steeped in convergent thinking from a very young age. Even so, we can still get better at using it as divergent thinking’s partner.

To have true creativity —the most robust form of thinking—we must have both divergent thinking and convergent thinking. Some people are more inclined toward divergent thinking, and others prefer convergent. This is a good thing, because, as I’ve said before, we need both. We need people who are passionate about pushing past the current reality to find new possibilities, and we also need people who are passionate about working through analytical details to craft solid solutions.

The problem is that convergence is an almost irresistible force that tends to dominate our lives and the world.

Don’t Let Convergence Take Over Your World

Convergent thinking in and of itself isn’t a bad thing, of course. As mentioned, it’s divergent thinking’s essential partner to achieve the truly robust cognition that is creativity. But when divergent thinking is compromised, and convergence takes over, the decline is imminent.

One definition of "converge" is to gradually change so as to become similar or develop something in common. As humans, our innate need to belong makes us more apt to take on a convergence mindset. This is true in all microcosms of society, from families to schools, to teams and businesses. The culture of the group puts pressure on the uniqueness of the individual.

Convergence is how traditions develop, how groups find cohesiveness, and how some people start to resemble their dogs. (There’s probably a much more scientific explanation for the last one!) But think about it. If we all continue to change toward one particular point of sameness, all of a sudden, we morph together in one giant blob of thought and action.

When we are no longer able to think for ourselves because we are so intertwined with the group, we lose the ability to find new solutions. The core of so many problems in the world is a lack of divergent thinking, a lack of considering the new possibilities that will get us out of ruts.

Balance Your Thinking to Be More Creative

When convergence takes over, it kills off divergence little by little until we find ourselves out of balance from a thinking standpoint. At work, this manifests as apathy and dissatisfaction. When we set out to improve our creativity, we realign our balance; using both divergent and convergent thinking is natural for human beings. Balanced thinking balances individuals, and they, in turn, nourish ecosystems away from decay and toward possibility.

3 Ways to Get Better at Divergent Thinking

We’re all pretty darn good at convergent thinking. But our divergent thinking tends to decrease over time. Here are three tips from The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative, No Matter Where You Work to help you develop your divergent thinking.

1. Grow Your Thinking Flexibility: Minimize Trash. Lauren Singer has rethought her entire lifestyle so that her full year’s worth of trash can be contained in one small mason jar. And yes, ladies, that means she’s even found an alternative to those fun monthly feminine products.

What are five non-obvious things you can do today to reduce your own trash? Check out Singer’s Trash Is for Tossers website or her Instagram feed of the same name for inspiration. Even if she comes up with the ideas, it still takes flexibility for you to use them.

2. Free Your Thinking: Do Things Differently. Develop your freedom by doing things differently. What are three things that your organization does now because “we’ve always done it this way”? Choose one and think up and try an alternate approach.

3. Expand Your Thinking: Respond Like an Improv Actor. Imagine if, in the middle of an improv scene, one actor told the other, “You weren’t supposed to say that!” or “Don’t use that line!” The improv actor’s secret success tool is staying in a mentality of “Yes, and....” She has to say yes to the ridiculous and go with it to finish out the scene well. Today, practice responding to people’s ideas with, “Yes, and....” Repeat tomorrow.

www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2016/01/12/what-to-do-when-…

Kathryn Haydon, MSc , is an innovation strategist, speaker, and author who helps teams and individuals activate and maximize their creative thinking and innovation potential.

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Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking

Teachers can inspire outside-the-box thinking for students by using problem-based learning, art, music, and inquiry-based feedback.

photo of two people completing a detailed chalk drawing

Recently, I showed a group of students in my high school art class a film called Ma Vie En Rose ( My Life in Pink ), about a 7-year-old boy named Ludovic who identifies as female. Ludovic has an active imagination, but is bullied by both adults and other kids who are unnerved by his desire to wear dresses and play with dolls. The film challenged my students to broaden their understanding of gender and identity and led to a discussion about ways in which our imaginations are limited when we are forced to be who we are not. It reminded me of other stories in which a character is forced to choose an identity, such as the movie Divergent , based on the popular trilogy of novels by Veronica Roth.

In Divergent , a dystopian future society has been divided into five factions based on perceived virtues. Young people are forced to choose a faction as a rite of passage to becoming an adult. Tris, the story’s female hero, knows that choosing a faction might mean being cut off from family and friends forever, and wonders if she truly belongs to any one faction at all. Like Ludovic, Tris feels compelled to hide who she is, and knows that her behavior and ways of thinking might put herself and family at risk. Tris also knows that the most dangerous people in her society are considered those whose thinking is unrestricted and cannot be easily categorized—those people are called divergent.

Defining Divergent Thinking

The word divergent is partly defined as “tending to be different or develop in different directions.” Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking—what is usually referred to thinking outside the box, and is often associated with creativity. Convergent thinking, on the other hand, requires one to restrict ideas to those that might be correct or the best solution to a problem.

Studies suggest that, as children, our divergence capability is high, and decreases dramatically as we become adults. Perhaps this is as it should be to a certain degree, and as teachers and adults we would be concerned if our middle and high school students extended imaginative play into everyday life in the way a 4-year-old does. Yet many teachers at some point in their teaching career become frustrated by their students’ inability to think creatively, and others—exemplified by Sir Ken Robinson —blame schooling itself for killing the imagination.

Divergent behavior is discouraged in school when students are scared to say or do the “wrong thing” in class. This is not surprising since schools often tolerate environments in which both teachers and peer groups keep in check those who say and do things that are off-script, incorrect, or inappropriate. This system of overt convergence is enforced by a grading culture that systematically penalizes students for being “wrong,” and by allowing a school environment in which students tease those who exhibit non-normative behaviors. So if divergent thinking is key to being creative, it becomes clear why our students find being open with their imaginations and divergent ideas inhibited.

It must be said that there are valid reasons why divergent thinking is discouraged in our classrooms. Divergent thinking treats all ideas equally regardless of context or applicability and disregards rubrics, criteria, or any process for assessment. There are also situations when divergent behavior might actually cause physical harm, such as in chemistry class or on the playground, and we expect our students to display good judgment, or convergent thinking strategies, so that they can make correct decisions.

Teachers also might find divergent thinking and behavior a challenge when students ignore directions and rules, and, if we’re honest with ourselves, display personality traits that operate outside societal norms. These non-normative students, kids like the character Ludovic, who are transgender or who identify as atheists, for example, might be considered divergent in many of our communities. It’s up to us as school administrators and teachers to ensure that good judgment extends beyond what might be considered current social norms and take into account what’s best for our students’ spirits, humanity, and ultimate sense of belonging.

In the Classroom: Strategies

Ideally, divergent and convergent thinking work in harmony with each other. The geneplore model diagrams this relation between divergent, generative thinking and evaluative, convergent thinking. Helping our students understand these strategies and how they complement each other also encourages metacognitive learning so that students better understand their own thinking and creative abilities.

As an art teacher, my job is to foster an environment for creative work, and I believe the following five strategies might be useful for non-art teachers as well.

1. Reversing the question/answer paradigm: Problem-based learning is derived from an approach developed for training medical students in Canada but has since been used in K–12 education and other project-based learning environments. The premise of it is simple: Instead of asking questions to which there is a correct answer, ask students to create the problem.

Students pose their problem by first tapping into their own wishes and goals that might have real-life results or be largely theoretical and in end in the modeling stages. Questions like “How can we grow vegetables without using pesticides?” and “How can we feed the world’s population in a sustainable way?” encourage students to think divergently.

2. Let the music play: In my classroom, students serve as guest DJs and play their music when we're in the studio mode of our projects. I love the atmosphere music creates. I also know how “tribal” adolescents often see each other in terms of musical taste, so I introduce the guest DJ at the beginning of the term as a strategy for setting norms in the classroom in order to create an environment in which judgment of each other is deferred, restrained, and more thoughtful.

When students learn to defer judgment, the learning environment becomes open to other influences and ideas. When we’re not afraid of being immediately judged by our taste, we’re more likely to share ideas and opinions, and therefore become less afraid to be divergent in our thinking and behavior.

3. Inquiry-based feedback: Instead of value-based feedback, inquiry coupled with deep observation encourages a more open-ended and in-depth approach for evaluating students’ work. Students are encouraged to minimize expressing their likes and dislikes, and to first spend at least two minutes silently observing, and then asking questions prefixed by phrases such as, “I noticed that _____,” “Why did you _____,” and “How _____.”

4. Encourage play and manage failure: When failure is framed more by reflection and iteration, and less by penalty and closure, we’re more likely to loosen up in our efforts and be less afraid to make mistakes. Then we can open up the environment for play and experimentation.

In my community art class, I prepare students to take risks in their projects by creating one-day exercises in which they engage with the public in a safe but unpredictable way. One example involves asking other students outside of class to have their photo taken. The scary aspect of being rejected is overcome, and students gain courage to open up and take risks. If rejection does occur, students have time to reflect and strategize in preparation for scaling up their ideas or projects.

5. Using art strategies: I use a few art strategies such as collage, readymade, and pareidolia to open up the divergent thinking part of the students’ brains. They become less concerned about exact interpretation and more open to poetry, metaphor, and dream imagery in general.

Collage : When artfully done, brings disparate images together and finds relationships based on aesthetics, absurdity, or spatial arrangements—not their literal meaning or function in the real world. Once the images are de-coupled from their literal roles, this opens up to nonlinear thinking in general.
Readymade : This involves taking ordinary objects and playfully renaming what they are or reimagining how they function. Marcel Duchamp had a famous example: taking a urinal, flipping it upside down, and calling it Fountain . I ask my students to do the same with ordinary objects around them—using the material, shape, or alternative functions of an object, they reimagine it.
Pareidolia : A phenomenon of looking at an object and finding a semblance of something else that’s not really there, like seeing a dragon in the shape of a cloud, or noticing that a three-prong power outlet looks like a face. I show students the short animated film The Deep by the artist Pes, in which ordinary objects are turned into mysterious sea creatures. I then ask them to take photos of examples of pareidolia around them. They have fun reinterpreting the world.

Divergent thinking strategies offer the possibility of doing more than fostering a creative classroom environment—they can also help us better understand and appreciate difference in all areas of our students’ lives. Young people like the fictional characters Ludovic and Tris might then find a world that’s more accepting, and we could benefit from the creative possibilities when young people are allowed to be who they are.

Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship pp 754–758 Cite as

Divergent Thinking

Mark A. Runco 2 , 3 , 4
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Creative potential ; Flexibility ; Fluency ; Ideation ; Originality

Introduction

The theory of divergent thinking is among the most useful in all of creativity studies. Many people equate divergent thinking with creativity, which is not an accurate view since (a) divergent thinking is a useful concept outside of assessment and testing and (b) creativity requires various things and not just divergent thinking. That being said, tests of divergent thinking are the most commonly used estimates of the potential for creative thinking. But divergent thinking tasks are also useful as exercises, even when there is no need or interest in measurement, and the theory of divergent thinking is useful when attempting to understand creative thought, even when there is no need for application, data, or assessment. It is a good theory. It holds up well when the criteria for what makes a good theory (e.g., broad coverage, testable hypotheses, parsimony) are used to evaluate it. This entry starts...

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Guilford JP. Creativity, intelligence, and their educational implications. EDITS: San Diego; 1968.

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Runco MA, editor. Divergent thinking. Norwood: Ablex Publications; 1991.

Runco MA, editor. Divergent thinking and creative ideation. Cresskill: Hampton Press; 2012.

Torrance EP. Why fly? Norwood: Hampton Press; 1995.

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Runco, M.A. (2020). Divergent Thinking. In: Carayannis, E.G. (eds) Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15347-6_430

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What is divergent thinking and why is it important?

When people think of migrating to product, or even going up the ladder of it, they often wonder what skills they need to work on. It’s not rare to see new people on the job obsessing about frameworks and methodologies and saying things like:

Do I need to know how to code?
Do I need a Scrum or Kanban certification?
How do I use RICE, CSD, or GUT?
Do I have to read Inspired ?

What Is Divergent Thinking And Why Is It Important

The older you get on the seat, the more you understand that, yes, all of those things are important, but they are not fundamental. Soft skills truly differentiate an average PM from an amazing PM.

The only way to bolster your soft skills is by exercising them. To do that, you must know what to train and where to start. The forefather of all soft skills inside product is divergent thinking, and I’m about to teach you how to flex it until it becomes natural and why you should do it.

What the heck is divergent thinking?

According to encyclopedia.com , divergent thinking was first described by a psychologist named J.P. Guilford in the 1950s. It’s “the ability to develop original and unique ideas and to envision multiple solutions to a problem.”

Feel free to read the full article if you want to dive into the subject, but long story short, divergent thinking has been associated with creativity for a long time. In practice, it’s the process that allows us to think of different ways to overcome a figurative boulder blocking a path instead of obsessing about climbing it.

The focus on climbing it, by the way, is the opposite of divergent thinking: convergent thinking. While the former is about creativity and projection, the latter is all about logic and execution.

If you’ve ever heard about design thinking, you might know where I’m getting at…

Divergence and convergence applied: The double diamond

The most famous illustration of the dynamic between divergent and convergent thinking is the double diamond. Somewhat outdated nowadays, this diagram was all the hype among designers back in the early 2010s.

Fresh or not, it’s the best illustration we have to date to explain how and when you should use each kind of thought:

Discover (diverge)

Upon identifying a problem or an opportunity, you must first understand it. At this step of the process, divergent thinking is used to observe your object from different perspectives. This first exploration is paramount to defining the key findings you’ll use in the next step.

Define (converge)

With the lay of the land covered, it’s time to put divergency aside. The next step on the diamond is to concatenate all your previous findings and identify the key value to deliver .

This process of grinding ideas against each other to find a single answer is as convergent as convergent thinking can get.

Develop (diverge)

With the value that’s going to be delivered crystalized, it’s time to think about how to deliver it. Back with divergency in mind, this is commonly the time in which you sit down with engineering and brainstorm ways in which a feature or fix can be delivered. Plenty of possibilities will be brought up, all with pros and cons, but only one will see the light of day.

Deliver (converge)

Having exhausted all possible solutions, the team evaluates if doing something is better than doing something else. This critical evaluation of possibilities is the end of the double diamond. It stands for using convergent thinking again to define what should be delivered.

The diamond is more of an illustration of how a product team should approach problems than a step-by-step process. Independent of the framework you use, down to the basics, you’ll be always expanding possibilities through divergent thinking before narrowing things down with it.

Why is it important to talk about divergent thinking in product management?

As I said at the beginning of this article, divergent thinking is the forefather of all the soft skills a product manager can have. Before any certification or book, you need to change the way you think about the world.

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We, as humans, are naturally oriented toward problem-solving instead of problem-understanding. We have no trouble getting lost in our thoughts about how we should do something, but we rarely spend that much time thinking about why we should do it.

Being a product manager is all about breaking from this pattern. Exponentiality comes from delivering the right product to the right customer at the right time, consistently. One can only do that if they have a passion for the problem and its roots, rather than the solution.

In other words, divergent thinking is the cornerstone of modern product discovery.

Why is product discovery important? I’ll let Cagan take this one:

“The purpose of product discovery is to address these critical risks: Will the customer buy this, or choose to use it? (Value risk) Can the user figure out how to use it? (Usability risk) Can we build it? (Feasibility risk) Does this solution work for our business? (Business viability risk)[…]strong product teams understand these truths and embrace them rather than deny them. They are very good at quickly tackling the risks (no matter where that idea originated) and are fast at iterating to an effective solution. This is what product discovery is all about, and it is why I view product discovery as the most important core competency of a product organization.” ― Marty Cagan, Inspired : How to Create Tech Products Customers Love

Real-world examples of divergent thinking

All too theoretical so far? Consider those examples, then:

Daniel Ek, Spotify’s founder, was obsessed with building a free, online music player with no delay between click and play. The only problem is that a free player is hardly considered a business, let alone a good one.

Before the official launch, Spotify was losing money fast, and the team had to come up with something to make the business viable. “Diverging” from the original concept by offering premium access not only transformed Spotify into a juggernaut, but also paved the way for the birth of the modern concepts of freemium and product lead-growth

In April 1970, the Apollo 13 mission had an oxygen leak on one of the ship’s modules that caused an explosion, severely damaging life support systems. The three astronauts aboard the rocket were not dead yet, but they had no way to filter CO2 anymore. Crew and mission control gathered on one of the most famous and nail-biting divergent processes in history.

Long story short, they improvised an air-filtering contraption with binder covers, plastic bags, and some more junk floating around. The mission was saved, all astronauts came back home, and Tom Hanks received an Oscar nomination 25 years later for the motion picture adaptation.

How to exercise divergent thinking

It’s almost unnatural to pause and think critically about a problem without considering how to solve it. Such as with any other habit, avoiding convergence before you’re secure with the amount of divergence you made is a matter of practice. You need to train before it comes naturally to you.

Not a coincidence, but the entire modern product organization revolves around enabling the exercise of divergent thinking. Being able to step away from convergence before acting is so fundamental to product management that we shaped the cultural organization of the tech market to that end:

Sharing something with other people naturally causes divergence. Different people have different perspectives on the same subject. That’s why we organize ourselves into multidisciplinary teams. Listening to your peers will vastly increase your capability to approach an issue from multiple angles.

Outcome mindset

OKRs, or outcome-oriented goals, create a fertile context for divergency (in contrast to output-based objectives). Asking someone to increase conversion by 30 percent invites them to think about multiple ways of doing that. Asking to launch feature A, on the contrary, forces them to rush toward executions

Horizontal organization

Horizontality is a powerful tool for divergency. The traditional hierarchical view of team organization incentivizes ideas to overcome others based on a paycheck rather than quality. Horizontality brings different points of view from anywhere inside the company to the table, it doesn’t matter how much they earn.

But what to do if your organization is not so modern? Maybe you don’t belong to a squad, or command and control of your company prevent horizontality. It won’t be so natural, but you can engage in the same exercises on your own!

Talk with peers from other departments, create outcome-oriented goals for your team alone, and ask for early feedback from engineers or designers. You don’t actually need to work inside Spotify or Google to emulate a healthier environment for divergent thinking.

Divergent thinking is the cornerstone of much of the modern product culture. Not only that, but its dynamic with its cousin, convergent thinking, is essential to effectively ideate and deliver value to users.

It doesn’t come naturally, though. Being able to think outside the box, as one would commonly say, depends on a lot of exercise and self-critique. Lucky for us, the product ecosystem in a mature company is a very rich environment to develop this skill.

Creativity is a gift — some people have it, some people don’t. Divergent thought, on the other hand, is a common tool that all of us can train to make it more powerful. This single piece of soft skill is what ensures that anybody can be as good a PM as anybody else.

It only takes practice.

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Divergent Thinking: What It Is and How to Develop It

How can I train myself in divergent thinking?

Like we said, all of us, regardless of age, can practice and improve our divergent thinking. To do so, we will focus on four areas in particular:

Fluency: the ability to produce a large number of ideas.
Flexibility: the ability to create a wide variety of ideas based on different fields of knowledge.
Originality: the ability to create innovative ideas.
Development: the ability to improve our ideas, to make them more sophisticated.

Now here are four ways to improve the four areas above:

Synectics exercises

“Synectics” is a term coined by psychologist William J. J. Gordon. Basically, it means being able to find connections and relationships between concepts, objects, and ideas that seem unrelated. This exercise takes a lot of mental work. We can do it daily by choosing the concepts ourselves. For example:

What can I do with a paper clip and a spoon?
What relationship could there be between the Limpopo River in Africa and Lake Baikal in Siberia?

The Scamper technique

The Scamper technique is another creative idea-developing strategy developed by Bob Eberle. It is very useful in creating something innovative and practicing divergent thinking. For example, let’s say we have to come up with an idea for work. Once we have that “idea”, we’ll put it through a series of “filters”.

Substitute one element of that idea for another. (What can we change in how we have fun? And in how we work?)
Now combine everything (What can we do to make our work more fun?)
Adapt it (What do people do to be less stressed at other workplaces?)
Modify it (How can we work without becoming stressed?)
Give it other uses (What is there at work that I could do in a more fun way?)
Eliminate something (What if you get to work a little earlier to make better use of the day?)
Reform it (What would happen if I dared to…?)

Divergent Thinking: What It Is, Characteristics And Examples

Divergent thinking is a general analysis of what surrounds us, without being very clear about the purpose of our research. It’s like raising the antennas before we point them somewhere to see if there are signals. The use of divergent thinking allows one to become interested in what one finds by observing in a perhaps superficial but very useful way, an operation during which neither strong signals nor weak signals are sought, paradoxically nothing is sought.

Even if you don’t look for it, something will be found because the mind is tuned to a level of reactivity such that, after a number of inputs have invaded it, it gets going and starts making considerations. In this PsychologyFor article we will see what What is divergent thinking, its characteristics and some examples about.

Table of Contents

What is divergent thinking

In the 1950s and 1960s, the American psychologist Joy Paul Guilford published important studies on intelligence and creativity. The latter, according to the scholar, is related to the global functioning of the mind, as it is nothing more than an expression of it. He defined that in our mind we can distinguish two types or modes of thought. Next, we tell you what convergent and divergent thinking is.

Convergent thinking: it is characterized by the repetition of already learned and the adaptation of old responses to new situations in a more or less mechanical way.
Divergent thinking: implies fluidity, flexibility and originality and essentially refers to the production of new and numerous ideas<

So what is divergent thinking? To better clarify these concepts, we remember that Guilford understood by divergent thinking a productive mode of thought, typical of creativity, that tends towards the new Self. Compared to convergent thinking, which is oriented toward what is known and the correct solution, divergent thinking appears where a problem is yet to be defined or discovered and where there is no indication To solve it.

Indeed, Guilford considered that thought diverged more closely linked to the creative act. On the other hand, he also maintained that this was the ability to produce a range of possible solutions for a given problem, particularly for a problem that does not provide for a single correct answer.

Characteristics of divergent thinking

Thought has different aspects that differentiate it from the rest. Specifically, the characteristics of divergent thinking are:

Is spontaneous and free<
It underlies the purest forms of creativity and, in many ways, represents true creativity< In this article, we tell you how to develop creativity.
Generate ideas by exploring many possible solutions often in parallel.
Ideas can arise in a random cognitive mode in the form of epiphanies or flashes of genius.
Various possible solutions are explored and made unexpected connections<
A high IQ is no guarantee of creativity.
There are more important characteristics to favor this mode of thinking. Generally, they are personality traits such as anti-conformism, curiosity the willingness to take risks, courage, perseverance and resilience<
Divergent thinking is fueled by the mental mode of the being and arises, above all, when the calming-satisfying system allows our motor to rotate at a minimum.

Examples of divergent thinking

It is easy to see that such an ability probably plays a role in the creative act, since the artist often has to explore a series of possible ways of painting a picture, finishing a novel, or writing a poem before ultimately deciding. so it seems to be the best.

The creative act is linked to originality< In this case, divergent thinking will play its own role, since the broader the range of possibilities we are capable of producing, the greater the probability that one of them will prove original.

Conflict resolution

Let’s look at one of the examples of divergent thinking. To do this, we will observe the different ways of facing and resolving a conflict of a convergent thinker and a divergent thinker:

Convergent or rational thinker : addresses problems as a multiple choice question, where there are incorrect answers that can be excluded to leave the correct one.
divergent thinker : I would try to find more ways to solve the problem, even going around it. In essence, the answer lies in taking time to think before acting, a broader and more creative approach to solving common problems< An example of divergent thinking, reported by a good psychology manual, is thinking about using a brick as a paperweight, while imagining it as an element to build a house is an example of convergent thinking.

As we can see, divergent thinking is related to creativity. Discover what creative thinking is, its characteristics and how to enhance it.

Divergent thinking puzzle

Let’s now take a classic riddle as an example of divergent thinking: imagine that you find yourself in a room with only two doors. When you cross the first one, you will be instantly pulverized by a giant lens capable of concentrating the sun’s rays. Opening the second time, you will be hit by the flames of a powerful dragon. Which of the two doors do you choose? Naturally, you have to choose the first one, the one with the lens: just wait for the sun to go down.

Solving this puzzle requires an ability to think “out of the box,” to see beyond the beaten path of sequential logic, and to think creatively without taking anything for granted.

The example of the merchant’s daughter

What does it mean that a person is divergent? To explain it, one of the examples of divergent thinking is the anecdote of the merchant’s daughter : A merchant accumulated a large debt with a moneylender. The old moneylender, in love with the merchant’s young daughter, proposed to forgive the debt if he got the girl in exchange. Since he was an inveterate gambler, he proposed letting the case decide.

He said he was going to put two stones in a bag, one white and one black: the girl was going to take one out. If the black stone had come out, she would have become his wife with the debt forgiven. If the target had gone out, she would have stayed with her father and then the debt would have been paid. If she refused to proceed with the extraction, her father would go to jail.

The merchant ended up accepting. When some witnesses were invited, the usurer bent down to pick up the two stones from the gravel path where they were located. The girl noticed that she put two black stones in her bag. Immediately afterwards the moneylender invited the maiden to extract the stone that would decide destiny.

In such a situation the girl, using convergent thinking, could do the following:

Refusing to extract the stone.
Show that the bag actually contained two black stones and unmask the deception.
Take out one of the black stones and sacrifice yourself to save your father.

However, none of these solutions would have been useful. Using her divergent thinking, the girl pulled out a stone, which slipped from her hand, causing it to fall on the avenue where she blended in with the others. “Oh, how clumsy!” she exclaimed. “But it doesn’t matter, looking in the bag will deduce from the stone that remains, the color of the one I extracted.”

The solution, once found, even seems logically obvious. In retrospect it becomes easy to see the consistent thread that, starting from the initial data of a problem, guides it to its solution. The anecdote illustrates how Divergent thinking changes the reference scheme<

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Divergent thinking: what it is, characteristics and examples we recommend that you enter our Cognitive Psychology category.

Bibliography

Attini, G. (2017). Capitolo third. Crescita and individual perception
Bargellini, J.F. (2015). Design trendssetting. Capire the tendencies to create successful products
Gaeta, V. (2020). Come fill my divergent thoughts. Retrieved from: https://www.hxo.it/pensiero_divergent/
Peluso Cassese, F., Granato, S. (2011). Introduction to the psychopedagogy of the game. Rome: Edizioni Universitarie Romane.
Penman, D. (2016). The art of Mindfulness
Psyche (2020). Divergent thinking and creativity

Convergent and Divergent Questions for Teachers: Examples, Explanations, Pros and Cons

Convergent and Divergent Questioning for Teachers in the Classroom

What Are Convergent and Divergent Questions?

Convergent and Divergent questions were first proposed by JP Guilford in the 1950s.

Convergent questions encourage students to bring together ideas and knowledge from two or more fields and synthesise them to generate a common, logic al conclusion.

Divergent questions generate divergent thinking and encourage students to think more broadly about a specific topic, drawing on different scenarios, disciplines and ideas.

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CONVERGENT QUESTIONS

What are convergent questions.

Convergent questions require students to bring together ideas and knowledge from two or more fields and synthesise them to generate a logical conclusion.

These questions are often used for problem solving, particularly when the problem is multi-disciplinary in nature.

Students are required to find a single, optimal solution to the problem.

Convergent questions are opposite to divergent questions.

Video: CONVERGENT QUESTIONS

A basic example of convergent thinking is determining the answer to a multiple choice question .

A more complex example of convergent thinking is providing a student with a range of potential solutions to a problem, asking the student to evaluate each solution and determine the most appropriate solution to solve the problem.

Both of these examples require convergent thinking as the student is required to assess different information and come to an optimal, single conclusion.

Convergent questions are often associated with lower levels of thinking , which is often the case, but convergent questions can also challenge students to think in a more complex manner.

The level and depth of thinking required to answer a convergent question is dependent on the requirements of the question and the level of the student.

The level of challenge provided by convergent questions is demonstrated by the two examples above.

Convergent Questions for Teachers in the Classroom

Examples of CONVERGENT QUESTIONS For Teachers

Below are 10 examples of convergent questions where students start with information and converge on an optimal solution.

What one word would best describe this topic?
What is the common theme here?
What happened as a result of those actions?
How can these items be categorised?
What was the reason why this happened?
What are the components of an owl’s diet?
What are the long-term consequences of this decision?
Why did you take the action you took?
Which principle is most suited to solving this problem?
What new colour would be produced if you mixed these five colours?

Pros And Cons Of Using CONVERGENT QUESTIONS In Lessons

When should convergent questions be used in lessons.

Teachers can use convergent questions at any point in a lesson.

Commonly, convergent questions are used at the start of a lesson to assess student understanding of the topic to be taught in that lesson or to check what the students are able to remember from the previous lesson.

Convergent questions are also commonly used at the end of the lesson as part of a plenary activity to check understanding .

But divergent questions can be used at any point in a lesson where the teacher feels they will be beneficial to student progress.

Typically, convergent questions are used when the teacher wants to check a student’s understanding on of a topic.

Specifically, when there is a clear right or wrong answer or where a specific solution is most likely to be the optimal solution.

For example, the teacher can share a problem with the students and ask a convergent question asking them to propose a solution to the problem. The solution would be one which is most likely to resolve the problem in most cases. The teacher will have an expectation of the student’s response and will be able to check understanding accordingly.

There is less need and opportunity for discussion to follow in this instance but it can be worth asking the student to explain their answer to check their reasons for selecting that specific response can be justified.

Convergent Thinking In The Workplace

There are many situations at work when you have to make a decision and be decisive.

This is an example of convergent thinking in action.

You are presented with various information regarding the decision that needs to be made and you use this information to make an informed decision as to the best solution to take.

Convergent thinking is more commonly used when a decision needs to be made, with little time to discuss, debate and explore multiple solutions .

Typically, there will be sufficient information available to make the decision and the number of potential solutions will be limited.

Normally there will be a logical solution which has a good chance of resolving the problem.

DIVERGENT QUESTIONS

What are divergent questions.

Divergent questions begin with a prompt and require students to think creatively and critically to identify multiple potential answers.

Divergent questions have no specific answer and can be used by teachers to encourage students to think more broadly about a specific topic.

Students will consider different scenarios, alternative ideas and examples as they explore the question.

Divergent questions generate divergent thinking which will require students to evaluate, analyse and synthesis information .

Video: DIVERGENT QUESTIONS

The ‘prompt’ refers to the question being asked, which is typically and open question; but not always.

Divergent thinking requires higher level thinking skills to be demonstrated by students.

A mix of creative thinking and being critical in thought are necessary skills when answering divergent questions.

Creativity is necessary for ideation and thinking ‘outside the box’ and critical thought it necessary for critiquing ideas and solutions.

Divergent Questions for Teachers in the Classroom

Examples of DIVERGENT QUESTIONS For Teachers

Below are examples of divergent questions where students are given a prompt and expected to generate multiple solutions.

What different strategies could be used to solve this problem?
What predications might you make about the future?
If a team are given a project to complete, but no leader is assigned, what might happen?
What is another way of looking at this?
Why would someone live near an active volcano?
What are some alternatives to this approach?
What would the world be like if the UK had voted to remain in the European Union?
How could this be done differently?
How will Covid-19 change how we work in the future?
How could you go about achieving this objective?

Pros And Cons Of Using DIVERGENT QUESTIONS In Lessons

When should divergent questions be used in lessons.

Teachers can use divergent questions at any point in a lesson.

Ultimately, divergent questions should be used whenever the teacher wants students to engage in discussion and debate.

Due to their open-ended nature, divergent questions will allow students to express a range of views and thoughts on a specific topic allowing for agreement, disagreement and discussion.

Divergent questions can be used at the start of a lesson to provide students with an opportunity to express their views and thoughts on the topic being taught.

This is a great way to start a lesson as it immediately generates discussion and student engagement.

Using divergent questions at the start of a lesson provides the teacher with an opportunity to assess the views and understanding of the class. This will inform the lesson ahead.

Divergent questions are also commonly used at the end of the lesson as part of a plenary activity to explore some of the key themes discussed in the lesson.

Divergent questions can actually be used at any point in a lesson where the teacher feels the students would benefit from divergent thinking, discussion and debate.

Therefore, divergent questions obviously work best when teaching topics that are not easily defined and where there is room for differences in opinion and no single correct answer is required.

For example, if the student is learning about what makes a good leader , there is no single correct answer that the student can provide.

Instead, different students would contribute their thoughts and opinions on this topic. Although some may be more appropriate than others, there is no single correct answer and all responses will be valid if they can be explained and justified.

Divergent questions will encourage higher order thinking skills in students such as analysis, evaluation and critical thinking.

Divergent Thinking In The Workplace

Divergent thinking is commonly experienced in the workplace.

Typically, when a decision needs to be made to resolve a solution but there is limited information available, there is no immediate timescale and where there are multiple potential solutions which could produce similar levels of success.

In situations such as these divergent thinking is required to ensure the problem is tackled with creativity, critical thought and multiple potential solutions can be generated for analysis.

Divergent thinking is more commonly used when the problem is more complex in nature and requires a deeper level of thinking.

How Can Teachers Use CONVERGENT and DIVERGENT Questions in Combination?

Although this article has explored convergent and divergent questions for teachers in isolation, these two types of questions will typically be used in combination in lessons.

Let’s use two examples to demonstrate how convergent and divergent questions can be used in combination. The first examples begins with a convergent question which is followed up with a divergent question, and second example begins with a divergent question which is followed by a convergent question.

Example 1: Convergent question followed by divergent question

The teacher may begin by asking a convergent question:

“What are the components of an owl’s diet?”

Students would think about everything they know about owls and generate a response which they feel best addresses this question.

The teacher may then follow this up with a divergent question:

“What would happen if you took an owl from its normal habitat and placed in a new habitat which was not conducive to its usual diet?”

Students will be required to think about all potential outcomes of this action and generate multiple solutions to this question.

Example 2: Divergent question followed by convergent question

The teacher could begin by asking a divergent question:

“What would the world be like if Darwin had never proposed the theory of evolution?”

Students will explore a range of potential outcomes to this hypothetical scenario.

The teacher could then follow this up by asking a convergent question.

“Considering all of the potential scenarios you have generated, review each and consider: Which is most likely to occur.”

Are Convergent and Divergent Questions The Same as Open and Closed Questions

It is common to hear people say that convergent and divergent questions are the same as open and closed questions .

However, this is not actually accurate.

It is true that convergent questions are often posed as closed questions and divergent questions are often posed as open question.

But, to categorise them in this simplistic way fails to capture the true essence of these question types.

We need to consider the purpose of asking these questions and the thinking they promote rather than whether they are specifically open or closed.

For convergent questions, students are required to bring together ideas and knowledge from two or more fields and synthesise them to generate a logical conclusion.

It is this synthesis of information to produce an answer that is of importance here, not whether the question is closed or open.

For divergent questions, students are encouraged to consider different scenarios and alternative ideas as they explore the question.

Divergent questions generate divergent thinking which will require students to evaluate, analyse and synthesis information.

Again, it is these higher order thinking skills which are of most importance, not whether the question is open and closed.

There are also many examples of convergent questions which can be open and divergent questions which can be closed.

If you are interested in finding out what my favourite questioning techniques are you should check our this article:

My Top 5 Questioning Techniques for Teachers: Generate More Discussion and Debate

I hope you found this article on convergent and divergent questions for teachers interesting and enjoyable.

Author: Jonathan Sandling

Jonathan Sandling

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Definition of Divergent Thinking:

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves the ability to generate multiple ideas, possibilities, or solutions to a given problem or question. It is characterized by a non-linear and spontaneous approach to thinking, where individuals explore various perspectives and consider unconventional alternatives.

Key Aspects of Divergent Thinking:

Flexibility: Divergent thinking encourages individuals to think beyond traditional boundaries and explore different angles or viewpoints.
Originality: It emphasizes the generation of unique and novel ideas that may not conform to the conventional norms.
Fluency: Divergent thinking focuses on the production of a large quantity of ideas, without judgment or evaluation at the brainstorming stage.
Elaboration: The process involves building upon initial ideas, expanding and developing them further.
Unconventionality: Divergent thinking encourages breaking away from conventional ideas and exploring unusual possibilities.

Application of Divergent Thinking:

Divergent thinking is particularly valuable in creative problem-solving, brainstorming sessions, idea generation, and innovation. It allows for a wider spectrum of possibilities and fosters the exploration of diverse perspectives, leading to unique and inventive outcomes.

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Divergent Thinking

Advantages of using divergent thinking , how to implement divergent thinking , convergent vs. divergent thinking, what is the divergent thinking psychology definition, how to combine divergent and convergent thinking for optimal results , techniques to stimulate divergent thinking, .css-uphcpb{position:absolute;left:0;top:-87px;} what is divergent thinking, definition of divergent thinking.

Divergent thinking, often referred to as lateral thinking, is the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions to a problem that you are trying to solve. Through spontaneous, free-flowing thinking, divergent thinking requires coming up with many different answers or routes forward.

Divergent thinking can benefit work processes in the following ways:

Best possible solutions

Increased team morale.

By dismissing the first idea, teams are encouraged to think outside the box and exercise their creativity. This encourages teamwork as they compare ideas and collectively work towards one goal, boosting team morale.

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More flexibility

When faced with a complex problem, divergent thinking allows management to adapt their plans and processes to find an appropriate new solution, encouraging proactive development as opposed to restrictive reactive thinking.

Too much divergent thinking can lead to endless ideation , and no solutions.

That’s where convergent thinking comes in handy. Convergent thinking organizes and structures new ideas, separating those with worth from those which can be left behind.

Creative problem solving begins with divergent thinking — to collect free-flowing ideas — before converging them so they’re relevant to the issue at hand.

Both stages are critical. The divergent stage pushes you to explore all possible options, while the convergent stage ensures you’ve chosen the most appropriate solutions given the context.

Convergent thinking focuses on finding a well-defined solution to a problem by embracing clear solutions and structure.

For example, if a copy machine breaks at work, someone identifying as a convergent thinker would quickly call a technician to fix the machine.

Usually, project managers embrace convergent thinking without even knowing it, so you might already be familiar with this mentality.

Benefits of convergent vs. divergent thinking:

There is no room for ambiguity.

You tend to find solutions more quickly.

Perfect for linear processes and organization.

It allows you to align teams, plan projects, and create workflows in the most efficient way possible.

It’s a straight-to-the-point kind of approach to problem-solving.

Divergent thinking refers to the creative solutions you could find for a problem. This type of thinking allows for more freedom and helps you generate more than one solution by typically using brainstorming as the cognitive method.

Although the means differ from convergent thinking, the end goal is the same — to find the best idea.

For example, a divergent thinker would try to find the cause and develop a fix for that broken copy machine from the previous example.

They might even send a company-wide email to check whether any employees have fixed copy machines before.

Benefits of divergent vs. convergent thinking:

Using creativity to find solutions to problems.

Analyze ideas from different angles.

Identify and apply new opportunities.

Helps the user adopt a learning mindset.

Stand out from competitors by implementing creative ways to solve common problems.

Helps you learn and understand other people’s perspectives when brainstorming.

Divergent thinking involves a whole range of psychological steps. Usually, divergent thinking happens in a free-flowing and spontaneous manner, so ideas appear in a random, non-linear manner.

This is how divergent thinking opens the mind to potentially limitless solutions to problems that might not be obvious through linear, convergent thinking.

Divergent thinking is an essential part of creative thinking.

The best idea is never found by luck or pure chance. The creative process involves many steps that lead to new ideas.

From plucking out varieties of possible results to applying the idea to the problem at hand, divergent thinking is bound to lead you to more unique ideas than more straightforward, convergent thinking.

Achieving the best outcome through divergent and convergent thinking might seem challenging at first, but get it right and it can pay off in exciting and valuable ways.

Start with divergent thinking. You and your team may need to break out of established ideation routines and embrace a fresh approach, which is often difficult. Try to make it easier by being open to all possibilities and assuring your product team that there are no wrong ideas at this point.

Look at all the potential choices and ideas available to you. Consider problems from all angles, including from the perspective of target users. You know their pain points and what solutions they’re looking for. That insight can help you make the most of divergent thinking.

Next, move on to convergent thinking. Here you want to think about what is rather than what could be . Analyze your options, and compare their pros and cons carefully. When you have a comprehensive list of your ideas' good and bad points, you’ll find it easier to pick the best ones.

Having trouble getting your team to try divergent thinking? Here are a few ways to kick-start the process:

Ask questions

Some members of your product team may not know where to start. Stimulate divergent thinking by asking questions about the issue at hand and their views on it.

Try roleplay

Have one team member play the role of a customer complaining about a product or a specific feature, and another could try to help them with it. This can spark discussions that lead to solutions.

Brainstorm possibilities

As a team, come up with as many ideas as possible, no matter how unrealistic they may be. Even one good option can lead to breakthroughs.

Create a mind map

Mind mapping takes a visual approach to brainstorming. Write the core goal/issue in the center of a sheet of paper or whiteboard, and get team members to write down thoughts about it.

Defer judgment until later

Avoid praising or criticizing ideas during the ideation process. Take note of everything, then analyze them later to find out how viable ideas are.

Support strange and unusual ideas

Even if an idea seems ridiculous, there still might be something useful there. Encourage team members to open their minds to every possibility, no matter how bizarre they might be.

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Convergent vs Divergent Thinking (Definitions + Examples)

Picture this. You’re at work and your team has a big problem to solve. Everyone sits down together in a room and starts to brainstorm. One person comes up with a solution, but it’s immediately shot down by another coworker. The next person comes up with a solution, and that’s immediately shot down, too. It doesn’t take long for the whole team to feel very frustrated and exhausted. You’ll never come up with a solution if everything is immediately torn apart!

How can you make this situation more productive? The first step is to learn about different types of thinking. By understanding the difference between convergent and divergent thinking, you can more effectively plan out your brainstorming session and come to the best solution without frustration.

Definition of Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking are relatively new terms in the world of psychology. They were first introduced to the world in 1956 by an American psychologist named J.P. Guilford. These two cognitive approaches, when used appropriately, can be used to solve just about any problem that you face.

Divergent Thinking

Let’s start by talking about divergent thinking. When you think about “brainstorming,” you are thinking about divergent thinking. This type of thinking requires you to expand your mind and find innovative solutions. The possibilities are endless. Divergent thinking allows you to see products in materials in new and different ways.

Mind maps are the best way to put the results of divergent thinking on paper. Mind maps contain ideas that branch off from each other in different directions. There doesn’t have to be a lot of logic used when you are in “divergent thinking” mode. Remember, you are expanding what is possible, not limiting it.

Convergent Thinking

Now, let’s go back to the first example. There was divergent thinking happening - each person was coming up with an “out of the box” idea. But they were quickly getting shot down. The person that was critiquing their argument was in “convergent thinking” mode.

Convergent thinking isn’t bad or unproductive. It’s necessary! This process is more analytical and “realistic.” It uses logic to narrow down ideas. This part of the thinking process requires looking for fallacies and potential problems. By narrowing down ideas that would not possibly work, you can find one or two ideas that will work without a hitch.

Examples of Convergent and Divergent Thinking

methods of convergent and divergent thinking

Let’s say you’re planning an event, and trying to figure out where to have the event. By putting on your “divergent thinking cap,” you start to brainstorm. How fun would it be to have the event at Disney World? Or at the new hotel that is opening down the street? What about a big outdoor party with tents? All of these venues could attract potential guests and make the event really stand out!

Wow, these are a lot of great ideas!

But let’s approach this same problem with our “convergent thinking cap.” Disney World? Way out of budget, and most of the guests won’t want to travel that far. The new hotel down the street? That’s closer to the budget and guests can easily travel there. A big outdoor party? This is an option too, but only if the cost for lights, heating, and the tents actually did fit in the budget. Would you need a permit to hold the party outside? Would you have to worry about noise complaints?

As you can see, both of these processes are necessary to come to a solution. You can’t just set your heart on Disney World without considering practical factors, like budget or location. But when you do come up with an “out of the box” solution that does fit into your constraints, you’ve got a great solution on your hands.

How to Effectively Use Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking require two different parts of the brain. While convergent thinking relies more on logic, divergent thinking relies more on creativity. Switching back and forth between the two may not seem like multitasking, but it is a form of multitasking. And multitasking is not as effective as you may think.

In the meeting mentioned at the beginning of this article, your team was constantly switching back and forth between convergent and divergent thinking. Their brain had to switch back and forth, too. No wonder the group became worn out so fast!

Harvard instructors like Anne Manning suggest another approach to convergent and divergent thinking. Rather than doing them in the same meeting, try “batching” your divergent and convergent thinking tasks. Take an hour of the meeting for your team simply to brainstorm ideas. No critiques, no logic, no convergent thinking. Just keep expanding the ideas of where you should hold the event, for a solid block of time.

Give your team a break. This break could be an overnight break - many people have their best creative ideas when they are sleeping, showering, or thinking about other things. Tell your team to write down any more creative ideas that they might have, and bring them to you before the next meeting.

Then, hold a meeting that is focused solely on convergent thinking. Think about the budget. Location. The number of people that you expect to attend the event. You’ll be able to cross some ideas off of your list pretty quickly. That’s okay. Crossing off items on your list quickly means that you’re coming to a solution quickly.

And voila! You’ve found your solution. Now it’s time to focus on other elements of the event. Using inspiration from your previous brainstorms, you can truly make your event the greatest it can be, or solve any problem efficiently. You may decide to make the event Disney-themed, for example, to have a fun event without shelling out the costs of actually going to Florida.

The next time you’re faced with a problem, try this batching technique. You might find yourself coming up with a great solution without frustrations!

Narrowing Down The Ideas

Don't have two days to come up with an idea? Split your team into two groups and let the debate begin! Well, sort of.

Here's how this brainstorming session works. Give two teams a set amount of time (maybe 30-60 minutes) to brainstorm all ideas without any sort of dissent or questioning. Write them all down on the left side of a piece of paper. At the end of the time period, switch the sheets of paper between the two teams. (You may find overlap. That's good!) Set another time period for the groups to engage in divergent thinking. Instruct them to eliminate most of the ideas, leaving a handful for the first group to choose from. At the end of the second time period, switch the papers back to the original groups.

If both groups still have not come to a consensus about the idea for moving forward, instruct each group to choose one of their remaining ideas to bring to the table. Once that is chosen, both groups will present that idea and the decision will be put to a vote amongst both groups.

Choose Your Best Team Members for Each Job

If you have a strong team that respects each other's processes, you may want to split your team up by their strengths and allow some to focus on convergent thinking or divergent thinking. Some team members naturally lean toward one or the other. Allowing people to show off their strengths can get your team the best answer in a process that everyone enjoys.

How do you know which team members are more skilled at convergent vs. divergent thinking? There are a few ways to find out.

Have an Open Dialogue

Give your team members the opportunity to choose which type of thinking they would like to engage in (if they have to pick.) Get to know their preferred forms of brainstorming. You may find that your team naturally prefers one type of thinking over the other. You may also find that they like to brainstorm in different ways! Keep an open mind.

Give it a Few Trial Runs

If everyone is shrugging their shoulders, go through a few trial runs. Split the teams randomly or bring everyone together to brainstorm ideas. Clearly split your time between convergent vs. divergent thinking. You will find that some team members have a hard time with convergent thinking, or others fail to speak up once the convergent thinking is over! As you notice these patterns, you will get a better sense of which "group" prefers one style over the other.

Go by Myers Briggs

Does your team all know their Myers Briggs type? Use this to indicate which members are likely more inclined to participate in convergent vs. divergent thinking. Team members best suited for convergent thinking include:

These aren't the only team members who should participate in convergent thinking, but it gives you a good idea of who you might want in the room during this brainstorming portion.

The best divergent thinkers include:

This isn't set in stone. Trust your team members. If they prefer one style over the other, give them the chance to shine!

Other Ideas for Brainstorming

Knowing the differences between convergent vs. divergent thinking can help you brainstorm. However, this approach may not be the best process for every team. Below are some other ways to brainstorm new ideas and find solutions to your most pressing problems.

Storyboarding

Get your team together and treat your problem like a conflict in a book. Create a "storyboard" that explains what led to the problem and the conflict at hand. (Post-its and erasable markers are great tools for this type of brainstorming!) This method gives your team a new way to look at your problem.

SCAMPER offers a great set of prompts for a conversation about solutions. This is a great form of brainstorming for teams that are generally not convergent thinkers.

SCAMPER stands for:

Substitute : What would happen to the project if we swapped X for Y?
Combine : What would happen to the project if we combined X and Y?
Adapt : What changes would need to be made to adapt this project to a different context?
Modify : What could we modify to create more value on this project?
Put to another use : What other uses or applications might this project have?
Eliminate : What could we remove from the project to simplify it?
Reverse : How could we reorganize this project to make it more effective?

Six Thinking Hats

In 1985, psychologist Edward de Bono wrote "Six Thinking Hats" about a problem-solving exercise that involved roleplay. He described six different "hats" a person could wear as they brainstormed new ideas:

Logic : Facts
Optimism : Value and benefits.
Devil’s Advocate : Difficulties and dangers
Emotion : Feelings and intuitions
Creativity : Possibilities and new ideas
Management : Manager of other "hats"

What would happen if you chose six people on your team to wear these "hats?" Would they think about a solution in a new way? Would they come up with great, new ideas? There is only one way to find out!

There are so many great ways to brainstorm new ideas. Try out a few different methods, be aware of convergent vs. divergent thinking, and enjoy solving your team's biggest problems!

Functional Fixedness (Definition + Examples)
Social Loafing (Definition + Examples)
Lewin’s Change Theory (Definition + Examples)
Kurt Lewin Biography - Contributions To Psychology
Social Groups in Psychology

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How to Teach Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Definitions, Examples, Templates and More

Written by Marcus Guido

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Students at one school district mastered 68% more math skills on average when they used Prodigy Math.

Teaching Strategies

The definitions of convergent and divergent thinking

Examples of questions
Tips for creating your own questions
Prompting students to use each style of thinking

Not all problems require the same approach.

For many students, knowing how to tackle certain problems starts by recognizing when to apply convergent and divergent thinking.

To help you effectively teach and reinforce these strategies, read through it, and then reference it as you integrate both thinking methods into your lessons.

Convergent and divergent thinking are opposites, but both have places in your daily lessons.

American psychologist JP Guilford coined the terms in the 1950s, which take their names from the problem solving processes they describe.

Convergent thinking involves starting with pieces of information, converging around a solution.

As you can infer, it emphasizes finding the single, optimal solution to a given problem and usually demands thinking at the first or second Depth of Knowledge (DoK) level.

Determining the correct answer to a multiple choice question is an example.

The nature of the question does not demand creativity, but inherently encourages the student to consider the veracity of each provided answer before selecting the single correct one. Typically, he or she must apply a limited range of skills and knowledge to reach this answer quickly.

This mirrors many out-of-school scenarios, wherein someone must use all the information available to him or her to make a decision.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, starts with a prompt that encourages students to think critically, diverging towards distinct answers.

As you can see, the prompts -- in the form of guiding questions -- are open-ended and typically require thinking at the third, or even fourth, Depth of Knowledge level.

Writing an essay and brainstorming are examples of exercises that demand divergent thinking.

Creativity plays an important role , as students should usually reach an answer they did not anticipate upon processing the prompt. This is because the prompt should encourage them to analyze content and generate their own ideas to arrive at a range of plausible solutions.

This mirrors real-life situations in which students face a broad problem without much information.

Now that you understand convergent and divergent thinking, you’re probably curious about the kinds of questions that incite each strategy.

Examples of convergent vs. divergent questions

Like most teaching tasks, writing convergent and divergent questions is easier said than done.

Use these examples as templates, and to guide your creation of content-appropriate convergent and divergent questions:

Although it’s likely these convergent and divergent question examples aren’t completely applicable to you, they should -- at the very least -- give you a clear idea about how to structure your own questions.

How to write original convergent and divergent questions

Using the above examples as inspiration, keep these tips in mind to create your own convergent and divergent questions:

Focus on the beginning -- Before you get into the nitty gritty of crafting a question, you should understand that the first few words are the most important. That’s because they’ll largely deem what kind of responses you’ll receive. Convergent questions typically start with “who,” “what,” “where” or “when.” Divergent questions usually begin with “how could,” “what might” or “suppose.”
Search far and wide for the answers -- Validating a question starts by finding answers. You shouldn’t have a tough time answering convergent questions. Flipping through a textbook, lesson notes or an online resource should yield a clear answer. On the other hand, you shouldn’t find a definitive answer to a divergent question through such research methods. You’re encouraging students to deliver original responses born from critical thinking , after all.
Make convergent questions before divergent ones -- If you struggle to brainstorm divergent questions, start with convergent questions. Often, the process of writing three to four convergent questions will allow you to combine them into a divergent one. Consider the notion that divergent queries begin with phrases such as “suppose.” Answering a “suppose” question comes from understanding “what,” “who” and the answers to other convergent questions.

With examples in your toolbox -- and tips about how to create your own questions -- you need to consider the appropriate times to ask them.

When, and how, to give opportunities for convergent and divergent thinking

$divergent critical thinking examples$

During lessons, before study times and at the conclusions of entire units, opportunities to spur and assess convergent and divergent thinking will present themselves.

Here are four opportunities to encourage convergent thinking, and how to do so:

1. You’re in the middle of a math lesson, and arrive at a word problem . Don’t immediately start the problem-solving process. Instead, walk through the wording with students before giving them five minutes of independent work. Using their notes and textbooks for reference, they can determine the functions needed to solve the problem.

2. The content you’re delivering in history, social studies or language arts class is broad enough that you anticipate students will struggle to process it. As a quick differentiated instruction exercise , provide a physical timeline and list of events to small groups of students. Ask them to pin the events to the timeline, aiding contextualization.

3. You’re giving a lecture-style lesson, and want to avoid providing a solution without giving students a chance to answer the question. But they’re struggling to respond. To enable convergent thinking, present potential answers in a multiple-choice style fashion. “Who wrote [text]? Was it [author], [author] or [author]?”

4. It’s the end of a unit. To review content in preparation for an assessment, ask students to summarize aspects of the unit. For example, “List x ways to apply y skill.” Or, “In what ways did [person] accomplish [goal].” If you provide a high number of such tasks, you can run a jigsaw activity , allowing students to work together to review key material.

Here are four opportunities to encourage divergent thinking, and how to do so:

1. You’re reading a play or novel as a class, and the protagonist faces a major problem. Before learning how he overcomes it, ask the class to think of as many solutions as possible. You can run this as a think-pair-share activity. Specifically, students can individually think of solutions, pair with one another to exchange ideas and then share these ideas with the class.

2. Running through new math problems as a class, you present a broad word problem that’s rooted in skills students already have. Instead of immediately solving the question, give them 15 minutes to find as many methods of solving it as possible. After, hold a class discussion to share responses.

3. Your class has made it to the end of a history or social studies unit. They have a fresh, firm grasp on the unit’s content, meaning it’s an ideal time to pose a query that demands divergent thinking. Ask them what they believe would have happened if a given figure had done y instead of x . Individually, or as a small group, students should write a short paper on potential outcomes and impacts.

4. Students are a week or two away from starting a written assessment. Why not prepare them with a formative assessment ? Simply give them a mock essay question that deals with similar subject matter, helping them study as they investigate different responses.

Although you can use them separately, convergent and divergent thinking aren’t mutually exclusive.

This is because divergent thinking can lead in to convergent thinking.

Consider asking a question such as, “Suppose Bilbo Baggins didn’t pick up the Ring when he first had the chance. How might his encounter with Gollum have been different? What are some potential outcomes?” Students who have a firm grasp of The Hobbit would likely generate many ideas from this divergent question.

This opens the door to asking a convergent question as a follow-up. For example, “Based on the different outcomes you envisioned, which one is the most probable? Why?”

Linking the two thinking styles in this manner can prepare students to write essays and tackle open-ended projects , as well as out-of-school dilemmas in which they must choose the single-best course of action.

Final thoughts

Developing strong commands of convergent and divergent thinking should empower students to tackle challenging problems, in and out of the classroom.

What’s more, being able to use the thinking styles -- independently and together -- is critical in many projects, group activities and forms of assessment.

This is why it’s crucial to provide opportunities to apply convergent and divergent thinking, while offering scaffolding and supplementary instruction.

Reading and referencing this guide is only a first step, albeit an important one.

Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy — a fun, easy-to-use math platform that delivers content in an engaging game-based learning environment. Aligned with curricula across the English-speaking world, it’s used by more than 2.5 million teachers and 100 million students .

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Divergent vs Convergent Thinking: What's the Difference?

Divergent and convergent thinking are key components of problem-solving and decision-making, often used across different fields. They represent two different ways of approaching challenges: one focuses on generating many ideas, while the other narrows them down to find the best solution.

In this article, we’ll break down divergent vs convergent thinking styles, explore their practical applications, and show how they can help make better decisions and solve complex problems effectively.

Divergence vs Convergence: Definitions

How to apply divergent and convergent thinking, the pros and cons of convergent vs. divergent thinking, tips to get the most out of divergent & convergent thinking, when to use divergent vs convergent thinking, convergent vs. divergent thinking in project management, why you need both types of thinking.

Divergence and convergence are two opposing cognitive processes that play distinct roles in problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent thinking is a creative process that helps generate a wide range of ideas or possibilities. It involves thinking broadly, exploring different angles, and coming up with multiple solutions to a problem. The main goal of divergent thinking is to promote creativity by allowing a free flow of thoughts without judgment or evaluation. In short, it’s about “thinking outside the box” and considering unconventional options.

Convergence

Convergent thinking, on the other hand, is a focused and analytical process aimed at selecting the best solution or idea from a set of options. It involves carefully evaluating, comparing, and narrowing down choices to identify the most effective and practical solution to a problem. Convergent thinking is about making decisions and finding the most suitable answer based on specific criteria, often guided by logic, data, and established principles.

This comparison chart gives a quick overview of the differences between divergent and convergent thinking.

Remember that divergent and convergent thinking aren’t separate stages, but often work together iteratively. You may need to switch between these thinking styles multiple times to fine-tune and improve your ideas. Additionally, involving a mix of people with different skills and thinking styles and expertise can also help increase the quality of both your divergent and convergent thinking processes.

Applying Divergent Thinking

Define the problem : Start by clearly outlining the problem or challenge you’re facing. Understand its scope and boundaries.

Brainstorm freely : Hold a brainstorming session where you and your team generate as many ideas as possible. During this phase:

Do not criticize or judge ideas.
Welcome unconventional and even seemingly impractical ideas.
Build upon the ideas of others to spark creativity.

Mind mapping : Use mind maps or visual diagrams to explore connections between ideas and concepts. This can help you see the bigger picture and identify potential solutions.

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Role play and scenario building : Imagine yourself in different scenarios related to the problem. Role-playing and scenario building can help you consider various perspectives and possibilities.

Analogies and metaphors : Draw analogies or use metaphors to relate the problem to unrelated concepts. This can help generate fresh insights and creative solutions.

Idea capture : Document all generated ideas systematically, either on paper or digitally. Organize them for easy reference during the convergent thinking phase. Use the following brainstorming board to quickly record and organize ideas.

Applying Convergent Thinking

Evaluate ideas : Review the list of generated ideas from the divergent thinking phase. Consider factors like feasibility, practicality, and alignment with your goals and constraints.

Set criteria : Define specific criteria or parameters for evaluating ideas. This could include cost-effectiveness, time constraints, and the potential for implementation.

Rank and prioritize : Rank the ideas based on their alignment with the established criteria. Prioritize the top ideas that best meet your objectives.

Select the best option : Choose the single best solution or idea from the prioritized list. This decision should be well-reasoned and backed by data and analysis.

Plan implementation : Develop a detailed action plan for implementing the chosen solution. Outline the steps, resources, and timeline required for execution.

Test and iterate : Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. If necessary, be open to making adjustments and iterations based on feedback and results.

Reflect and learn : After implementing the solution, reflect on the process. What worked well? What could be improved? Use these insights for future problem-solving.

Convergent Thinking Pros and Cons

Divergent thinking pros and cons.

To maximize the effectiveness of divergent and convergent thinking, consider the following tips:

Clear problem definition : Start with a well-defined problem or challenge. Having a clear understanding of what you’re trying to solve or achieve is essential for effective thinking.

Time management : Set time limits for each phase of thinking. Divergent thinking sessions should encourage rapid idea generation, while convergent thinking should focus on efficient decision-making.

Diverse teams : Encourage diversity within your team. A variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Document everything : Keep detailed records of all ideas and decisions made during the process. This documentation can serve as a valuable reference and help maintain continuity.

Flexibility : Be willing to adapt and adjust your thinking approach as needed. Sometimes, the process may require going back and forth between divergent and convergent thinking to refine ideas and decisions.

Visual collaboration : Use visual aids, such as whiteboards, mind maps, and diagrams, to carry out idea generation and decision-making. Visual tools can boost communication and understanding within the team. With a visual collaboration platform like Creately , you can effortlessly conduct brainstorming sessions using readily-made templates for mind maps, concept maps, idea boards and more. You can also use its infinite canvas and integrated notes capabilities to capture and organize information in one place.

Iterative approach : Know that problem-solving often involves iterating between divergent and convergent thinking. It’s a dynamic process, and fine tuning ideas is needed for success.

Knowing when to use divergent thinking vs convergent thinking is key to effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent Thinking

Convergent Thinking

In real projects, you often switch between these two thinking styles. Divergent thinking starts things off with idea generation and exploration during planning. As the project moves forward, convergent thinking takes over to make precise decisions and execute efficiently. A good balance between these thinking styles helps project managers guide their projects effectively while allowing room for innovation when needed.

Project managers use convergent thinking to analyze data, evaluate options, and select the most suitable solutions for the project. It’s particularly helpful when you have clearly defined problems or need to allocate resources efficiently. Convergent thinking makes sure that your project stays on course and meets its objectives with precision.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is the thinking style you turn to when you’re dealing with complex, open-ended challenges or seeking fresh, imaginative ideas. Project managers use divergent thinking for brainstorming and idea generation without constraints. This approach is useful in exploring various possibilities, finding unique solutions, and injecting creativity into the project.

It’s important to have both divergent and convergent thinking because they play different but complementary roles in problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Divergent thinking, for example, helps generate a wide array of ideas and solutions as it helps break away from conventional thinking allowing you to think outside of the box.

On the other hand, convergent thinking comes into play when you need to evaluate, select, and refine ideas or solutions. It helps you make informed decisions based on defined criteria, making sure that the most promising options are chosen for further development.

Having both thinking styles in your toolkit helps comprehensive problem-solving. Divergent thinking deepens your understanding of complex problems by taking into account multiple perspectives and angles, and convergent thinking helps you narrow down options to actionable choices.

In essence, divergent and convergent thinking represent two complementary approaches to problem-solving, with divergent thinking fostering creativity and idea generation, and convergent thinking facilitating decision-making and solution selection. Both thinking styles have their unique strengths and are valuable in various contexts.

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What Is Divergent Thinking: Definition and Common Examples

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What is divergent thinking?

Divergent thinking yields impressive benefits, how to implement divergent thinking, what about the psychology definition, test your divergent thinking, ‍ is it possible to learn to think divergently, what is the opposite of divergent thinking, was einstein a divergent thinker.

Divergent thinking means seeking multiple interpretations of the information you gain, getting rid of old assumptions or common hypotheses, and always being resourceful and inventive. It allows you to shield away from prejudice and outdated views of the world and imply ingenious and unusual ways to overcome difficulties .

A divergent mind can be described as thinking beyond boundaries. It is also about the uncanny brain capability of coming up with ideas that are not limited by common traditions or established rules.

However, it is still more than just perceiving the world out of the box. Boundary extension is not about brainstorming or just fresh ideas. It is about non-stop curiosity and a strong willingness to learn and explore, diligence and patience to gain new experience, a desire to take risks, and the ability to solve a problem in the most unusual way that brings the most efficient output.

Suppose analytical and memory skills dwindle gradually, and you have noticed some thinking barriers. In that case, it is possible to hurdle them if nurturing your divergent type of thinking and tendency to overcome any cognitive limitations. This is because such limitations can block the capacity of your neurons to grow whilst the production of grey matter will also be decreased. And since the grey matter is critical for most brain functions, such as self-control, the capability of processing the sensory input and stimuli, and information encoding, it is pivotal to ensure its stimulation. Thus, grab your chance to discover what is divergent decision making, how to harness the power of your thinking, and how to nurture the skill of spontaneous generation of free-flowing ideas.

Some minds’ hardwiring probably can be considered standard. Suppose one tends to think without deviation from norms and rules. In that case, it means there is no creativity or diversity of thinking, imagination, visualization, and abstract thinking skills are poor. The decision or solution to a problem is based on constraints or biases. Thus, an individual will be seduced by a standard and systematic way of analyzing, and the process of solution generation will be limited, quite restrained, and not given to excess imagination. Of course, logic always must be present. However, sometimes, it can lead to narrowing down your ideas and solution. Looking at the world narrowly has nothing to do with divergent thinking.

People who can easily launch a divergent way of thinking are risk-takers and free-thinkers. They are not encumbered with mental barriers. They are independent and can fully rely on their thoughts. At the same time, they are not impinged by difficulties with their reasoning and can think logically while giving space to the wandering of the mind until an efficient, spectacular, uncommon solution is found. So the activity and art processes of music composers, poets, and painters are the best divergent thinking examples. Probably, scientists can also be divergent thinkers. For example, individuals who study metaphysics can not be limited in their cognitive processes and brain functions. Thus, divergence and boundlessness in thinking are essential components here. Based on this, it can be assumed that Stephen Hawking was indeed a divergent thinker. But obviously, he had a combined thinking style that allowed him to come to striking and impressive conclusions that still can evoke the mind of others.

Remember that our entire brain is in a constant state of work. It processes a flow of data and bits of important information through different paths (e.g., our senses) every second. Since our brain works hard to memorize, shape ideas, and create thoughts, we have to pay our brain the same and constantly work on its improvement. Cognitive practice and the development of multiple types of thinking with powerful brain aids and techniques definitely tend to yield a vast set of benefits. Let’s take a quick look at which benefits we attain if training divergent thinking regularly and whether it really can make out brains neuron-rich.

Solving problems unconventionally means breaking all the mental barriers. This process must be fully controlled; otherwise, it can catalyze a disorganized mind. However, once you’ve gained total control over your thinking, even a spontaneous divergent mind will produce numerous perspectives to unleash limitless options to solve a particular problem. The benefits of such cognitive functions are a quick adaptation to the circumstances and the ability to deal with unforeseen events that life may throw at us more efficiently and cooled-headed. Changes will be embraced without any stress, as you will be sure that your mind will get you out of the most difficult situation. It allows you to see opportunities where others cannot see them.

Thus, you will be capable of improving your professional life, driving fresh ideas, and standing out from the crowd. Try never to cordon off or suppress even the strangest and most weird ideas, as they can be innovative, and no one will be able to bring them to the world except you. However, producing unexpected connections in the brain still may have some disadvantages, such as impulsiveness and irregular thinking patterns that can throw you off track, ruin plans, and lead to unreasonable conclusions. Be open and flexible but try to understand how you think and reinforce total control over your cognition.

For some individuals, their thinking can be a pleasant challenge, while others will have serious difficulties confronting the same thinking pattern that limits. So learning how to think in a divergent manner can be quite helpful for many life aspects, such as your daily life and routine or your career. However, getting stuck in slow decision-making and poor solving of issues, you must unpack ways how to gain a divergent mind and implement such skills.

Mind mapping might be just what you’ve been looking for, as it is the scientific-backed and proven way to reinforce your mind functions and keep your brain nurtured, healthy, and nourished. Training creation of mind maps can be a tedious activity, but you will definitely experience a brain power boost, enhance your divergent thinking, and even confront poor memorization and data retrieval. Another skill that you must pay attention to is probably building dissenting views. This skill is yet ignored, but its growth is essential in the modern world full of diversified information that can change and affect how and what we think. So holding some thoughts and having the courage to create opinions at variance with ideas that were commonly held can bring the desired intellectual output and enhance your independence in the digital era. Thinking more voluntarily without fear of being judged is possible also through constant brainstorming. It drives innovation, allows getting out form your head, and instills a thirst for new knowledge and a desire to learn and gain insights.

Psychology uncovers human types of cognitive behavior. This entails how a particular individual creates images, encodes details, discovers new information, builds associations, etc. The divergent mind is one of the thinking modes that can be considered quite unstructured and sometimes even chaotic but, at the same time, important for seeing several ways out of one pressing matter. Such multifarious solutions yielded by one thinking type can be applied to seek the most suited one after that quickly.

Most intelligence tests are designed to use only a linear type of thinking and logic. But, of course, tests of your creativity were also developed. With the divergent method of testing, first of all, imagination in combination with intelligence is used. It is suggested to turn off analytical thinking. One of the tests encompasses the task of listing as many ways of using the items as possible for the shortest period of time. Alternative use tests will allow you to understand the power of your ability to think beyond the ordinary.

A set of strategies exists to nurture a divergent mind. Thus, one can cultivate skills in a fun and engaging manner.

Thinking aimed at solving tasks using a clear algorithm of actions is known as a convergent way of thinking. The success of solving the problem is evaluated by the speed, accuracy, and correctness of passing all stages of the solution deduction, while the divergent thinker tries to find more than one correct solution in various ways that are free from stereotypes.

Many famous researchers, scientists, and inventors had strong divergent skills, and Einstein was one of them. The divergent mind of Albert Einstein can be described as thinking beyond boundaries. The complexity of his thoughts would need to be tested so; therefore, in each hypothesis, there needs to be a sliver of expansion beyond one’s own beliefs/boundaries. His brain capability came up with ideas that were not limited by common traditions or established rules at the time. Einstein won a Nobel Prize in physics and took many calculated risks to prove his theories. (i.e. E=mc^2)

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15 Divergent Thinking Examples (2024)
Examples of Divergent Thinking. 1. Using a Coin as a Flathead Screwdriver. Sometimes we might not have the right size screwdriver to tighten the screw of a shelf or cupboard door. We could call a neighbor and ask to borrow one of their tools, or we could just reach into our pocket and pull out some coins.
What Is Divergent Thinking? Definition and Examples
Convergent thinking, also called "analytical, critical, linear or vertical thinking", is a method of problem-solving that follows strict rules and logic. Lateral thinking involves using creativity to arrive at one solution. By knowing how convergent and lateral thinking compares to divergent thinking, you can understand when to use each.
How Divergent Thinking Can Drive Your Creativity
4 divergent thinking examples. Divergent thinking seems simple: you have a problem, generate multiple solutions, and land on the best route forward. ... Learn how to develop critical thinking skills to think more creatively at work. Here are 12 techniques to get started. Read More. Well-being. 10 min read | July 28, 2023.
Divergent Thinking: What It Is, How It Works
What Is Divergent Thinking? Divergent thinking is a non-linear way of thinking that results in multiple solutions to a single problem. Some hallmarks of divergent thinking are creativity, collaboration, attention to detail, strategy and open-mindedness. More on Leadership Skills 11 Essential Leadership Qualities for the Future of Work.
Divergent Thinking: 5 Divergent Thinking Strategies
1. Tapping creative potential: Applying divergent thinking to business problems can create valuable and lasting insight. 2. Encourages flexibility: Creative thinkers tend to be more flexible. This can in turn make them better at adapting to change, collaborating, and taking on new risks and increased responsibilities. 3.
Promoting Divergent Thinking to Foster Students' Creativity
5 Techniques That Foster Divergent Thinking. 1. SCAMPER is a creative thinking strategy that generates new ideas for students by asking questions to make them think about modifying and improving existing products, projects, or ideas. SCAMPER is an acronym for substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, and rearrange.
Why You Need to Practice Divergent Thinking
Posted June 24, 2020 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan. As I wrote in The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative, No Matter Where You Work, "divergent thinking helps us generate many new ideas, imagine ...
What is divergent thinking? Definition, examples and its link to creativity
Definition, examples and its link to creativity. Divergent thinking lies at the heart of creativity. It's a way of figuring out answers, solutions and ideas in a free-flowing, spontaneous way. It's one of three problem-solving methods that underpin our ability to achieve creative breakthroughs: convergent, lateral and divergent thinking.
Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking
Defining Divergent Thinking. The word divergent is partly defined as "tending to be different or develop in different directions.". Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking—what is usually referred to thinking outside the box, and is often associated with creativity.
Divergent Thinking
Introduction. The theory of divergent thinking is among the most useful in all of creativity studies. Many people equate divergent thinking with creativity, which is not an accurate view since (a) divergent thinking is a useful concept outside of assessment and testing and (b) creativity requires various things and not just divergent thinking.
What is divergent thinking and why is it important?
This critical evaluation of possibilities is the end of the double diamond. It stands for using convergent thinking again to define what should be delivered. ... Real-world examples of divergent thinking. All too theoretical so far? Consider those examples, then: Spotify.
Divergent thinking
Divergent thinking. Divergent thinking is a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, "non-linear" manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and ...
Divergent Thinking: What It Is and How to Develop It
Divergent thinking is the capacity to find relationships between ideas, concepts, and processes that, at first glance, lack any similarity. Psychologists who are experts in creativity say that people have different mental networks of association: People with "steep" semantic networks are governed more by logic and linear thinking.
Divergent Thinking: What It Is, Characteristics And Examples
Divergent thinking is a general analysis of what surrounds us, without being very clear about the purpose of our research. It's like raising the antennas before we point them somewhere to see if there are signals. The use of divergent thinking allows one to become interested in what one finds by observing in a perhaps superficial but very ...
Convergent And Divergent Questions: 20 Examples, Explanations, Pros
Divergent thinking requires higher level thinking skills to be demonstrated by students. A mix of creative thinking and being critical in thought are necessary skills when answering divergent questions. Creativity is necessary for ideation and thinking 'outside the box' and critical thought it necessary for critiquing ideas and solutions.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves the ability to generate multiple ideas, possibilities, or solutions to a given problem or question. It is characterized by a non-linear and spontaneous approach to thinking, where individuals explore various perspectives and consider unconventional alternatives.
Divergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is a critical thinking process. It analyzes a problem and then investigates solutions to the problem. Using logic and reasoning, convergent thinking chooses the correct answer ...
What Is Divergent Thinking? Definition and Implementation
Divergent thinking, often referred to as lateral thinking, is the process of creating multiple, unique ideas or solutions to a problem that you are trying to solve. Through spontaneous, free-flowing thinking, divergent thinking requires coming up with many different answers or routes forward.
Convergent vs Divergent Thinking (Definitions + Examples)
Convergent and divergent thinking require two different parts of the brain. While convergent thinking relies more on logic, divergent thinking relies more on creativity. Switching back and forth between the two may not seem like multitasking, but it is a form of multitasking. And multitasking is not as effective as you may think.
How to Teach Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Definitions, Examples
The definitions of convergent and divergent thinking. Convergent and divergent thinking are opposites, but both have places in your daily lessons. American psychologist JP Guilford coined the terms in the 1950s, which take their names from the problem solving processes they describe. Convergent thinking involves starting with pieces of ...
Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Differences, Examples and Methods
Convergent thinking is characterized by logic, criticism, and the pursuit of consistency. It helps, for example, in design thinking to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ideas and to select the most appropriate solutions for ... Convergent and divergent thinking are two critical mindsets in the creative process that complement and ...
Divergent vs Convergent Thinking: What's the Difference?
Divergent thinking sessions should encourage rapid idea generation, while convergent thinking should focus on efficient decision-making. Diverse teams: Encourage diversity within your team. A variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions. Document everything: Keep detailed records ...
What Is Divergent Thinking: Definition and Common Examples
A divergent mind can be described as thinking beyond boundaries. It is also about the uncanny brain capability of coming up with ideas that are not limited by common traditions or established rules. However, it is still more than just perceiving the world out of the box. Boundary extension is not about brainstorming or just fresh ideas.

15 Divergent Thinking Examples

Definition of Divergent Thinking

Examples of Divergent Thinking

2. Digging with a Fork

3. Influencer Marketing

4. The Folding Bike

5. The Little Black Dress

6. Synectics

7. The Smartphone

8. Brainstorming

9. Children’s Creative Play

10. Coffee Coke

11. Thinking of Ways to Make Money

12. Using a Hot Glue Stick

13. Internalizing Pluralism

14. Children’s Play

15. Survival of the Fittest

Divergent vs Convergent Thinking

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How divergent thinking can drive your creativity

Cultivate your creativity

What is divergent thinking?

Takes the time necessary to generate a new idea

Helps teams bond

Promotes flexibility

Creates new opportunities

Encourages analysis paralysis

Loses focus

Scatters action steps

1. Designing a marketing campaign

2. Creating an application feature

3. Planning an event

4. Creating a product

1. Learn how to brainstorm effectively

2. Write ideas down

3. Practice mind-mapping

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

How to develop critical thinking skills

Divergent Thinking: What It Is, How It Works

What Is Divergent Thinking?

Characteristics of Divergent Thinking

Collaborative

Rethink Language

Detail Oriented

Build Divergent Thinking Skills

Ask Questions

Let Thoughts Flow Freely

Listen Actively

Great Companies Need Great People. That's Where We Come In.

Why You Need to Practice Divergent Thinking

Converge: Analyze Ideas and Form Solutions

Don’t Let Convergence Take Over Your World

Balance Your Thinking to Be More Creative

3 Ways to Get Better at Divergent Thinking

Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking

Defining Divergent Thinking

In the Classroom: Strategies

Divergent Thinking

Introduction

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What is divergent thinking and why is it important?

What the heck is divergent thinking?

Divergence and convergence applied: The double diamond

Discover (diverge)

Define (converge)

Develop (diverge)

Deliver (converge)

Why is it important to talk about divergent thinking in product management?

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Real-world examples of divergent thinking