Disney Brainstorming Method

The Disney Method is a parallel thinking technique. It was invented before Design Thinking evolved to it’s current state but has many of the elements of the Design Thinking approach. The technique is a complex creativity strategy in which a group uses four specific thinking styles in turn. It involves parallel thinking to analyze a problem, generate ideas, evaluate ideas, construct and critique a plan of action.

It allows a team to discuss an issue from four perspectives. It involves parallel thinking and it is a technique used in workshops but works just as well virtually as it does in person.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. — Helen Keller

Sure, there’s 6 Hats of Thinking created by de Bono but the difference is, that in the Disney method the sequence is constant, whereas the Six Thinking Hats can be used in any appropriate order.

The four thinking perspectives are:

1. Spectators
2. Dreamers
3. Realists
4. Critics
   

WHO INVENTED IT

Robert Dilts,1994

WHY USE THIS METHOD

Allows the group to discuss a problem from four different perspectives

CHALLENGES

1. An alternative to De Bono Six Hat Method.
2. Can deliver a workable solution quickly.
3. Who doesn't love Disney ?

HOW TO USE THIS METHOD

Step 1

Hold four different brainstorming sessions in four different rooms.

Step 2

At the end of each of the four sessions the participants leave the room and then at a later time reenter the next room then assuming the personas and perspectives of the next group.Time taken is often 60 to 90 minutes per session.The sessions adopt the following themes.

The Spectators View

Rationale: Puts the problem in an external context.

Asks: How would a consultant, a customer or an outside observer view the problem?

The Dreamers View

Rationale: Looking for an ideal solution. Unconstrained brainstorm.

Asks: What would our dream solution for this be? What if?

The Realists View

Rationale: The realists are convergent thinkers. Looking for ideas that are feasible, profitable, customer focused and can be implemented within 18 months.

Asks: How can we turn the dreamer’s views into reality?

The Critics View

Rationale: They review the plan made by the realists in order to identify weaknesses, obstacles or risks. They seek to improve the plan.

Asks: What are the risks and obstacles? Who would oppose this plan?What could go wrong?

Step 3

Iterate!! Refine, improve or reject. Be constructive.