Innovation is as much about attitude and perspective as it is about process. A big one for me is shifting perspective to stimulate innovation. So, how do you inject ‘perspective’ into your thinking? It all starts with a provocative question.

Fostering an environment for creative breakthroughs often begins with asking the right questions—those that challenge assumptions, explore new perspectives, and ignite curiosity. Here’s a list of thought-provoking questions designed to stimulate creativity and open up spaces for innovation during brainstorming sessions:

1. What if we had unlimited resources? What would we create? This question removes practical constraints and encourages thinking beyond current limitations.
2. How would we solve this problem if we were [a different company/an artist/a child]? Adopting a different persona can unlock new ways of thinking and novel approaches.
3. What existing assumptions can we challenge or invert? Identifying and questioning underlying assumptions can lead to innovative solutions that challenge the status quo.
4. What existing solutions can we combine in a new way to address this challenge? Combining elements from different domains can lead to unique hybrid solutions.
5. If we were to start from scratch today, how would we approach this differently? This question encourages a fresh look at the problem, unencumbered by existing processes or biases.
6. What are the ‘unwritten rules’ of our industry, and what would happen if we broke them? Challenging industry norms can reveal opportunities for disruptive innovation.
7. How can we turn our biggest constraint into our biggest asset? This reframing can lead to creative solutions that leverage limitations as advantages.
8. What problem are we trying to solve? Digging deeper into the underlying issue can often reveal a more effective focus for creative efforts.
9. What are the smallest changes we can make for the biggest impact? This question helps identify high-leverage points that could lead to significant improvements or breakthroughs.
10. What can we learn from failure (ours or others’) in this area? Understanding past failures can provide valuable insights into what to avoid and what could be done differently.
11. Can we imagine a future where our product/service is obsolete? What replaces it? Anticipating future changes can inspire proactive innovation to stay ahead.
12. What barriers are preventing us from proceeding, and how can we remove or circumvent them? Identifying and addressing barriers can open up new pathways for innovation.
13. How might someone with no expertise in our field approach this issue? Naïve perspectives can sometimes offer the most groundbreaking solutions, free from industry jargon and conventional thinking.
14. What seemingly unrelated user needs or problems can we address with this solution? Looking for additional problems to solve can broaden the impact and applicability of a solution.
15. What would make this solution/product/service remarkable to someone outside our target audience? Expanding the appeal of a solution can uncover ways to innovate that resonate more broadly.
16. If we could only change one aspect of our product/service to make it better, what would it be and why? Focusing on a single change forces prioritization and clarity about what truly matters.
17. What analogies can we find in nature or other industries that solve a similar problem? Nature and other sectors often have elegant solutions to complex problems that can inspire innovative ideas.
18. How can we use technology in an unexpected way to enhance our solution? Looking at technology through a creative lens can uncover novel applications.
19. What are the potential future trends that could affect our problem/solution? How can we prepare or adapt now? Anticipating future trends encourages forward-thinking solutions that are resilient and adaptable.
20. What would the ideal experience look like for our user/customer? How can we come closer to that ideal? Focusing on the user experience can highlight areas for innovative improvements.

Using these questions as a starting point during brainstorming sessions can help break down mental barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for creative breakthroughs. Encourage participants to think freely, withhold judgment, and build on each other’s ideas to foster a truly innovative environment.

Bottom line: Better answers require better questions.