Page 87 - 100 Great Business Ideas: From Leading Companies Around the World (100 Great Ideas)

1')/9 COMPUTER PROGRAMS

A number of computer programs can be used to generate
alternatives and otherwise add creativity to the
problem-solving process. The best-known and most
computationally powerful of these programs is IdeaFisher
from Fisher Idea Systems. This program contains 60,000
words and phrases together with 650,000 idea-associations
that are linked to several thousand questions. The questions
are grouped into three divisions: (1) orientation-clarification,

(2) modification, and (3) evaluation. The ques-
tions provoke ideas and associations
that can be used to solve common
business problems. The program
has no major drawbacks.° Its cost is
minimal.

Idea Generator Plus is another pro-
gram that can be used in solving problems.
It focuses mainly on walking the problem-solver through the
problem solving process, making sure that all aspects of the
problem have been considered. It can also be used to gener-
ate altematives. 14

Similarly, Ideagen walks the user through the problem solv-
ing process, but also provides random phrases to help in idea
generating through free association.' 5 Mindlink uses a se-
ries of mind triggers to assist problem solving. It asks the
user to abandon normal association processes and go for the
unusual. For example, it may ask you to link an elephant
with an oil well, and then determine how this association
might give clues to solving your problem.. Mindlink opens
with a set of creativity warm-up exercises known as The Gym.
Other sections include Idea Generation, Guided Problem
Solving, and General Problem Solving.'

Finally, The Invention Machine uses problem definition ques-
tions, a database of 1250 types of engineering problems, a
database of 1230 scientific effects (e.g., physical or chemi-
cal), and examples of 2000 of the world's most innovative
inventions to offer suggestions on solving your problem.
Russian engineer Michael Valdman used this program to

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