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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#83Chapter 6: Group Creative Option Generation• Group Creative Optionsnetwork, systematic and divergent (Radiant Systematic) Thinkingindividual and group Mode90-180 Minutes(moderate to time-consuming)

Lotus Blossom Technique

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

Matsumura's structured technique for exponential multiplication of ideas; Placing the central core of the challenge among the initial 8 petals, and then turning each petal into the center of a new blossom to generate 64 detailed solutions.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Group Creative Options
Dominant Thinking
network, systematic and divergent (Radiant Systematic)
Participation
individual and group
Estimated Timemoderate to time-consuming
90-180 Minutes
Workshop
Input Format
challenge or opportunity oriented, Matsumura matrix (3x3 lotus grids)
Output Format
Idea generation and 64 expansion of solutions
Key Application
Designing a comprehensive urban transportation strategy, developing new product lines, redefining logistics systems and exploring comprehensive business scenarios.
Core Differentiator:

A specific geometric structure and hierarchy that forces the mind to fill all 8 petals in the first layer and 64 ideas in the second layer without falling into the trap of repetition.

Quick Field Example:

A municipality puts the challenge of 'developing public transport' in the lotus flower center; 8 main branches (metro, bus, bicycle, marching, etc.) have been opened and each is divided into 8 small operational initiatives.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Unparalleled comprehensiveness and discovery of the hidden dimensions of the problem, preventing irregular mental jumps, matrix output ready to be transformed into a project roadmap.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

The mental pressure to necessarily complete the remaining houses may result in the insertion of surface options, requiring a large range and time.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Urban and Transportation Management: Developing a Comprehensive Traffic and Clean Air Strategy in 64 Interrelated Actions.
Software development strategy: Dissecting the modules of a large enterprise platform around the core user experience.
Portfolio design: developing new revenue streams for an investment holding.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1The brain loves symmetry and pattern: the 3x3 matrix creates empty spaces, and the subconscious mind will not stop until they are filled.
2Avoid getting bogged down in an angle: Normal brainstorming locks onto one topic, but Lotus forces the mind to spin in 8 disparate directions.
3Organic connection of the whole to the part: each tiny idea in the outer layer has a direct parent and a root in the central core.
4Deep multi-layered thinking: pulls people from the layer of general slogans to the level of concrete engineering and implementation actions.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

"Lotus Blossom Technique" (Lotus Blossom Technique) was invented by Yasuo Matsumura (Yasuo Matsumura) in Japan and later introduced to the West by Michael Michaelko in the book Thinkertoys. In this method, a 9-house table (3x3) is located in the center. The central core of the challenge is surrounded by 8 key ideas (A to H). Each of these 8 houses then becomes the center core of a new peripheral 3x3 tableau. Thus, as the lotus petals unfold, a vague challenge turns into 64 well-defined and categorized initiatives and solutions.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Designing a comprehensive road map for the transformation of clean urban transportation with the Lotus technique
1
Step 1: Placing the central core in the matrixThe facilitator team recorded the phrase 'Improving public transport and clean air' in the central house of the 3x3 matrix.
2
Step 2: Bloom the 8 Primary Petals (A to H)City managers arranged 8 key areas as core petals: bus fleet, subway expansion, cycling, ride sharing, disability accessibility, smart building, traffic management, and culture building.
3
Step 3: Transfer each petal to the center of the dedicated blossomBranch A (bus) was placed in the center of the peripheral block and the engineering team was tasked with filling 8 cells A1 to A8.
4
Step 4: The expansion of 64 operational solutionsof bus cells including: real-time GPS tracking, special BRT lines, fleet electrification, smart ventilation, cashless fare, etc. was completed and repeated for the other 7 blocks.
5
Step 5: Extracting the 5-year roadmap of the municipalityThe 64 matrix was turned into a comprehensive project dashboard, and each cell was communicated to the relevant executive organization.

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Previous Play (#82)
Lion's Den
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Mitsubishi Brainstorming Method
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