Problemsolving Technique 11: Osborn Checklist

The Osborn checklist is a structured series of questions designed to generate creative ideas and consider problems from different angles. This method was developed by Alex Osborn, one of the pioneers of brainstorming, and aims to improve and innovate existing products, processes or services by asking specific questions.

1. Replace
   • Question: What can be replaced?
   • Goal: Find new materials, processes or methods to improve existing elements.
2. Combine
   • Question: What can be combined?
   • Goal: Bring two or more elements together to create something new and useful.
3. Adapt
   • Question: What can be adapted?
   • Goal: Adapt an existing product or process to new conditions or requirements.
4. Modify
   • Question: What can be modified?
   • Objective: to make changes to the design, function or properties in order to achieve improvements.
5. Use differently
   • Question: how can it be used differently?
   • Objective: to find new applications or uses for an existing product or process.
6. Reduce
   • Question: what can be reduced?
   • Objective: to increase efficiency by reducing size, scope or costs.
7. Expand
   • Question:What can be enlarged?
   • Goal:Expand or strengthen certain aspects to achieve additional benefits.
8. Replace:
   • Question:
     What can be replaced?
   • Goal:Replace elements to find better or less expensive alternatives.
9. Reverse
   • Question:What can be reversed?
   • Goal:Reverse processes or procedures to discover new perspectives and solutions.