The Disney Method is a brainstorming technique used to generate creative ideas and solve problems. It is based on the notion that building upon the ideas of others is more productive than simply criticizing or rejecting them. It is often used in the fields of animation, storytelling, and problem-solving.
A former writer for Walt Disney Animation Studios had this to say about the creative process that was employed at the company: “The development of animation stories hasn’t changed much from the 1930s. Artists and writers create the work; artists and writers get together in a room and expand, shrink and alter the work. The practice has been around since silent cinema, when ‘gagmen’ sat around a table spit-balling ideas for the new Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton picture. It exists today in the writers’ rooms of various television series.”
The Walt Disney Company began as a small animation studio, but eventually grew to become one of the largest and most successful media companies in the world. Apparently one creativity strategy helped achieve that success more than others and I wish to briefly introduce it in this article.
The Main Idea of the Disney Method
The Disney Method is a brainstorming technique that is used to generate creative ideas and solve problems. It is based on the idea of combining and building upon the ideas of others, rather than simply criticizing or rejecting them. The technique was developed by the Walt Disney Company and is often used in the fields of animation, storytelling, and problem-solving.
Here is how the Disney Method works:
- Begin by generating a list of ideas. These ideas can be related to any topic or problem that needs to be solved.
- Next, group the ideas into categories. This helps to organize the ideas and make them easier to work with.
- Take one of the ideas and build upon it. For example, if the idea is to create a new character for a story, you might think about what that character’s personality, appearance, and backstory would be.
- Continue to build upon the idea, adding details and new elements as you go. This process should be collaborative, with everyone contributing their own ideas and suggestions.
- As the ideas grow and evolve, try to think outside the box and consider all possibilities. This can help to generate truly creative and unique ideas.
- Finally, once you have a fully fleshed-out idea, it’s time to evaluate it and decide whether it is worth pursuing further.
The Disney Method is a great way to get creative juices flowing and come up with new ideas. It encourages collaboration and creativity, and can be a fun and effective way to solve problems and generate new ideas.
Different Thinking Styles
There are many different ways of thinking or approaches to problem-solving that can be applied during brainstorming sessions. Some common thinking styles or approaches include:
- Analytical thinking: This involves breaking down a problem or situation into its individual parts and examining them in detail in order to understand the problem and develop a solution.
- Creative thinking: This involves generating new ideas and solutions to problems, often by looking at things in novel or unusual ways.
- Critical thinking: This involves evaluating ideas and arguments in a logical and objective way, considering the evidence and reasoning behind them.
- Lateral thinking: This involves thinking “outside the box” and looking at problems from different angles in order to generate novel solutions.
- Logical thinking: This involves using reason and evidence to evaluate ideas and arguments, and to construct arguments and solutions to problems.
- Strategic thinking: This involves thinking about the long-term goals and objectives of an organization or individual, and developing plans and strategies to achieve those goals.
There are many other thinking styles. Obviously the most effective approach will depend on the specific situation and the goals of the individual or group involved.
Applying the Disney Method in Business
The Disney Method can be applied in business in a number of ways. For example, it can be used to generate ideas for new products or services, to improve existing processes or systems, or to solve problems that arise in the workplace.
Here is an example of how the Disney Method might be used in a business setting:
- A team of employees is tasked with coming up with ideas for a new marketing campaign for the company’s latest product.
- The team begins by generating a list of ideas, and then groups the ideas into categories based on the type of campaign they would be suitable for (e.g. social media, email, television, etc.).
- Next, the team selects one of the ideas and begins to build upon it. For example, they might choose a social media campaign and start brainstorming ideas for hashtags, images, and content that could be used in the campaign.
- The team continues to build upon the idea, adding new elements and details as they go. They also encourage each other to think outside the box and consider all possibilities.
- Once they have a fully fleshed-out idea for the campaign, the team evaluates it and makes any necessary changes or adjustments.
- The final campaign is then presented to the company’s management team for review and approval.
This is just one example of how the Disney Method can be applied in a business setting. The technique can be used in a variety of ways to help generate creative ideas and solve problems in the workplace.
Applying the Disney Method in Different Situations
Here are a few examples of how the Disney Method might be applied in different situations:
A team of animators is working on a new movie and needs to come up with ideas for the characters, storyline, and setting. They use the Disney Method to brainstorm ideas, build upon each other’s ideas, and generate a fully fleshed-out concept for the movie.
A group of designers is tasked with creating a new product for a consumer electronics company. They use the Disney Method to generate ideas for the product’s design, features, and functionality, and then collaborate to create a final product that is both innovative and practical.
A team of software developers is working on a new app and needs to come up with ideas for its features and user interface. They use the Disney Method to brainstorm ideas, build upon each other’s suggestions, and create a unique and user-friendly app.
In each of these examples, the Disney Method is used to generate creative ideas, encourage collaboration, and solve problems. The technique can be applied in a wide range of situations and can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to generate new ideas and improve their problem-solving skills.
Other Creativity Strategies
There are many other creativity strategies and techniques that can be used to generate new ideas and solve problems. Some examples of these include:
Lateral thinking: This is a creative problem-solving technique that involves looking at problems from different angles and considering unusual or unexpected solutions. Lateral thinking can help to generate creative ideas and break through mental blocks.
SCAMPER: This is a mnemonic that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, and Reverse. It is a technique that can be used to help generate new ideas by applying these seven different actions to a given problem or situation.
Mind mapping: This is a technique in which ideas and concepts are represented visually, using diagrams or other visual tools. Mind mapping can help to organize ideas and make connections between them, which can lead to new insights and ideas.
The Six Thinking Hats: This is a technique developed by Edward de Bono that involves looking at a problem or situation from six different perspectives, represented by six different “thinking hats.” Each hat represents a different way of thinking, and using all six can help to generate a more comprehensive and well-rounded solution to a problem.
These are just a few examples of creativity strategies and techniques. There are many others, and the best approach will depend on the specific situation and the needs of the individuals or teams involved.
Conclusion
The Disney Method can be applied in a variety of settings, including business, animation, and problem-solving. It involves generating a list of ideas, grouping the ideas into categories, building upon one of the ideas, and then evaluating and refining the idea. There are many different thinking styles or approaches that can be applied during brainstorming, including analytical, creative, critical, lateral, logical, and strategic thinking.
You may leave a comment and let me know if I missed any important points, as well as share your thoughts and opinions on the subject.