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TABLE 4.1 Exam • le of Attribute Listing
AI 11(11i1111. I'OSSIBLE CHANGES
[Call prOillICe. Light might be used to affect photographic
paper.
Heat might be used to affect a special paper.
Could use a solution.
Instead of solid lead might use a chemical so-
lution that reacted with the paper (some of
these variations might lead to a pencil or writ-
ing instrument that never has to he sharp-
ened or refilled).
Wooden casing. Could be metal; plastic; entirely made of
graphite.
Plain yellow color. Could be any color; carry advertising; or have
a design (perhaps women would buy pens
and pencils carrying the same design as their
dresses).
Source: Charles S. Whiting, "Operational Techniques of Creative Think-
ing," Advanced Management, October 1955, p.26.
SUMMARY OF STEPS
1. List all the attributes or qualities of a problem or object.
2. Systematically analyze each attribute or group of attributes and
attempt to change it in as many ways as possible.
3. Review the resulting attributes for the best solutions.
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