Simprago Logo
Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#33Chapter 5: Individual Creative Option Generation• Individual Creative OptionsCreative ThinkingIndividual and Group Mode30-45 min(Rapid)

Back to the Sun

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

tracing the raw material and energy chain of a product back to the sun to discover sustainable and environmental alternatives.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Individual Creative Options
Dominant Thinking
Creative
Participation
Individual and Group
Estimated TimeRapid
30-45 min
Fast
Input Format
Product and Supply Chain Elements
Output Format
Idea generation
Key Application
Green product design, sustainable packaging, carbon footprint reduction and raw material value engineering.
Core Differentiator:

Reverse Life Cycle Thinking (LCA) aims to eliminate toxic waste and substitute natural renewable resources.

Quick Field Example:

Tracking materials for making wooden furniture and replacing chemical adhesives with natural plant resins and bamboo wood.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Inspiration for sustainability and circular economy, reducing environmental risks, making green marketing attractive.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

Sometimes all-natural alternatives have a higher supply cost in the short term.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Furniture and decoration industries: use of fast-growing wood such as bamboo and non-toxic water-based paints.
Packaging industries: replacing petroleum plastics with biodegradable starch polymers.
Textile and clothing industry: return to organic cotton and linen fibers with natural mineral dyes.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1True sustainability and social responsibility: conserving natural resources for future generations.
2Preemption against stricter regulations: Preparing for carbon taxes and environmental standards.
3Creating a competitive advantage in modern markets: the preference of conscious consumers to buy organic and clean products.
4Discover cheaper local ways: Sometimes available natural resources are much cheaper than imported chemicals.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

In the "Back to the Sun" technique, we take each product component back in time:

Where does this plastic come from? of oil Where did the oil come from? From fossil plants. Where do plants get their energy from? From the sun! Now we ask: Can we directly use the product of the sun (modern day plants, direct light, biological materials) to produce the same piece without going through this long and destructive path of thousands of years?

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Scenario: Designing a Green and Biodegradable Furniture Production Line Back to the Sun
1
Step 1: Break down the physical components of the furnitureIdentify 4 main components: 1) wooden frame 2) glue to connect parts 3) paint and protective coating 4) screws and metal connections.
2
Step 2: Trace Components to Solar Energy SourceOak wood requires 60 years of sunlight growth; Glue and paint are synthesized from petroleum derivatives with severe pollution.
3
Step 3: Searching for solar shortcutsreplacing old wood with bamboo plant (fast 3-year growth with sunlight); replacing chemical glue with soy resin; Replacing oil paint with beeswax and natural plant pigments.
4
Step 4: Testing the strength and quality of the new productMaking new furniture samples with wooden tongue and tongue connections instead of metal screws and proving higher strength and the pleasant smell of natural wood.
5
Step 5: Launching a sustainable product line and conquering export marketsExporting to Europe with a 100% natural and organic label with a 40% higher profit margin than previous traditional products.

Is this play relevant to your team or organization?

Share this structured playbook guide directly with colleagues or across your network.

Previous Play (#32)
Back to the Customer
Next Play (#34)
Circle of Opportunity
Analytical Q&A & Field Discussions

Share your reflections or inquiries regarding this play or chapter with the author.

Comments are published after review
No operational dilemmas posted yet. Be the first to initiate an empirical discussion.

Submit Operational Challenge

Your inquiry is routed directly to the Simprago moderation panel for review and official response.

Submissions include anti-spam checks