Option generation
Option generation is the problem-solving step of generating many possible courses of action before selecting the best one.
Definition
Generating options prevents you from getting too attached to the first idea too quickly. It allows you to separate the phase of creating opportunities from the phase of assessing them. The better defined the problem and the selection criteria, the easier it is to create variants that really fit the situation and not just give the appearance of movement.
Key ideas
- Separating creation from evaluation
- Expanding the selection box
- Matching the criteria
Practice and life
Before making a decision, list at least five options: obvious, cheap, bold, temporary and least invasive.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to evaluate options as they are created. The second mistake is generating many variants without clear selection criteria.
> One option is often pressure; several options start to become a decision.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What options did I reject too quickly?
- Do I have a temporary variant and not just an ideal one?
- Which option best fits the constraints?