Lotus Blossom Technique by Maria Korkonea, Ellie Streather & Finley Neilens

What is it? • created by Yasuo Matsumura, a Japanese management consultant • may look elaborate, but it’s a simple creative exercise • is a systematic brainstorm • perfect symbol of Japanese ingenuity • beautiful and practical

How does it look?

How does it work? • a core word or idea is placed in the center with eight words stemming from the core word surrounding it • each of these eight words is then moved to corresponding “petals” around the core box. • the process can be repeated with each petal, opening further into more petals.

Pros

Cons

• interactive and inspiring • better for groups of people than the individual • linear and lateral, better for conservative brainstormers

• somewhat complex and a bit “stage-y” for brainstorms • always make sure to look at the system as a whole, otherwise you may miss the key relationships