Attribute Method

This entry is based on the request by Arunima. Thanks for the great idea!

Did you generate a long list of ideas? If you did, then you might be aware of this method. It is called formally know as ‘Attribute List’ method, and is commonly used as aid to creativity. If you observe any such long list of ideas, like my 101 uses of CRT or 101 uses of a CD, you will find that most ideas use a certain property of the object. For example, making jewelry from CD makes use of the shininess of the CD. This same attribute can be used for many other uses like, mirror, a reflector, sun catcher, etc. It is observed that if the properties of an object are listed, it allows a better flow of ideas. Let’s discuss the steps for using this method.

How to use the Attribute Method

1. Start listing the different properties of the object. This list is called attribute list.
2. Try to think about more unusual properties. For example, a pencil floats on water is an unusual property of the pencil.
3. Now think about the possible uses of these properties. For example, the pencil floats on water, so we can make a raft out of sufficient number of pencils.
4. Counter-list the ideas. You may think about more attributes from the ideas you have generated. For example, the raft made of pencils of different colours can be colourful. So, ‘vivid colours’ is another attribute of pencil.
5. Keep on listing ideas and keep updating the list simultaneously. Remember that the attributes listed are also ideas.

Though I have written steps, it is not a hard and fast rule to follow them. Feel free to experiments. You can also try to draw a network of ideas, perhaps linking the ideas to attributes and vice versa.

Where to use
•    Fast generation of large number of ideas centered on a product
•    Attribute listing is a great technique for ensuring all possible aspects of a problem have been examined
•    Attribute listing is breaking the problem down into smaller and smaller bits and seeing what you discover when you do
•    Best suited for object based problems
•    Rational approach and solution can be back tracked to the original idea
•    Excellent tool for use in teams as well as alone
•    Can be used in combination with tools like brainstorming

Where to be careful
•    Certain attributes can be overlooked, so one should be careful
•    Careful note taking is needed, otherwise mistakes can occur
•    Logical approach can tax the brain and can become boring

Fun exercises to challenge you
•    List your own attributes and try to think what will be a good business ideas to suite your them.
•    Using the attributes of a crowd, try to think ways of reducing crowds on the road or in public transport systems
•    Choose some simple product like pencil, a piece of paper or comb. Challenge yourself to generate 20 ideas for its alternate uses in two minutes
•    Choose some simple product and list its attributes.
      example,

Choose another product and use its attributes to improve the first. For example, first product is ‘comb’, second is ‘nail’. Comb has attribute ‘used on hair’. Nail has attribute ‘stays in place’. So device a comb that will stay in hair after combing is done.

•    Try to combine two attributes into one and think how this will change the design of the product.
•    Try an exercise in non-obvious. Take a simple product and think about 10 attributes of the object no one has ever thought!

Have fun :)

Examples of attribute method:
101 uses of old CD
101 uses of old CRT monitor