Inside the Box: The creative method that works for everyone

by Drew Boyd

To get the most out of the Division technique, you follow five basic steps: 1. List the product’s or service’s internal components. 2. Divide the product or service in one of three ways: a. Functional (take a component and rearrange its location or when it appears). b. Physical (cut the product or one of its components along any physical line and rearrange it). c. Preserving (divide the product or service into smaller pieces, with each piece still possessing all the characteristics of the whole). 3. Visualize the new (or changed) product or service. 4. Ask: What are the potential benefits, markets, and values? Who would want this, and why would they find it valuable? If you are trying to solve a specific problem, how can it help address that particular challenge? 5. If you decide you have a new product or service that is indeed valuable, then ask: Is it feasible? Can you actually create this new product or perform this new service? Why or why not? Can you refine or adapt the idea to make it more viable? Keep in mind that you don’t have to use all three forms of Division, but you boost your chance of scoring a breakthrough idea if you do.