The Technique of Forced Connections

Forced connections are based on the brain’s ability to link two disparate items -such as words, objects , feelings, and ideas. The objective is to use the new language generated by the connections to think about the solution to a problem.

This technique relies on random external triggers that force people to make a connection between the problem at hand and the trigger. These triggers cause people to broaden their perspective.

Like brainstorming, forced connections are particularly useful when your group is blocked while trying to generate new ideas or to solve problems. In these circumstances it is usually imperative to introduce external triggers to get people thinking in new ways.

Invite each participant at random to name an object. Don’t start the connection process yet, just write all the objects on a board in front of the audience.

Once everyone has named an object, invite everyone to begin making connections and associations between the objects and the problem.

Record the connections for all to see.

If you wish, you can request a second round of articles and repeat the process. This often adds a deeper level to the ideas generated.

Allow people to brainstorm without judging or criticizing; you never know where an idea can lead. At the end of the session, you will probably have a list of possible solutions.