So you have a problem to solve, or you are in a creative mood — how do you imagine the best possible outcome? I have always tried to work downwards, starting at the top by asking ‘ what is the best possible outcome, regardless of any known natural or human laws?’ I then ask what the best possible outcome might be considering the limitations of physics and nature, but making use of maximum human potential, and then after that I would consider the realistic best possible outcome considering the actual availability of the key resources of time, money, people and materials.
Thinking like this is a bit of a double-edged sword — of course, it can create some fantastic ideas, but it can also result in coming up with hundreds of different ideas and solutions to a problem, when only one workable answer is necessary. Having said that, I still have a number of business and personal problems I’m trying to work through the moment, and I haven’t yet formally taken them through this exercise. I think it is about time I did.
[ drawing to follow -- top of the pyramid -- one best answer, without limitations; base of the pyramid -- lots of answers, each with their own pros and cons]