Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Template - Free Audio Method Questions

How to use the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Template to Drive Innovation and Action?

The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process is a comprehensive decision-making framework designed to help teams and individuals systematically approach challenges and develop innovative solutions. By breaking down the process into stages, CPS encourages both divergent thinking for idea generation and convergent thinking for decision-making and implementation. This structured technique fosters creativity while ensuring practical, actionable outcomes. There are variety of CPS structures: define challenges problems, generate solutions, select and implement. CPS can be traced in Alex Osborn's book, Applied Imagination. Later CPS was devised and improved on by Sidney J. Parnes and by various authors. The following, draws upon Van Gundy variant.

CPS Process Template to Solve Problems Creatively

Stage	Description	Guiding Questions
Stage 1: Objective + Mess Finding – What challenges are worth solving?	This stage focuses on identifying challenges, concerns, and opportunities that need attention. By scanning and searching for potential issues, teams can frame the right problems to solve. Divergent techniques, such as ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice If...’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Awful If...,’ help highlight both desirable outcomes and obstacles to overcome. Convergent techniques like identifying hotspots (through Highlighting) and forming IWWM statements (‘In What Ways Might…’) help narrow down the focus to the most actionable problems.	What are the major concerns or opportunities we should tackle? How might solving this challenge benefit us? What potential obstacles stand in our way? Which challenges align with our goals and resources? How urgent and familiar are these challenges?
Stage 2: Fact + Data Finding – What do we need to know?	This stage is about gathering relevant data and information concerning the identified problem. Divergent techniques such as the Five W's and H (Who, What, Why, When, Where, How) and data listing help ensure a broad collection of insights. Convergent techniques like mind-mapping and restating the problem help sort through the data, making the information clearer and more useful for deeper problem understanding.	What facts are important for solving this problem? Where can we gather reliable information? What gaps exist in our current understanding? How can we classify and organize the data we’ve collected? How does this new information change the way we see the problem?
Stage 3: Problem Finding – What is the real problem?	At this stage, the goal is to convert a broad, fuzzy problem statement into a clearer, more actionable one. By asking questions like ‘Why?’ and using convergent techniques such as reformulating problem statements, teams can isolate the core issue they need to address.	What is the true core of the issue? How can we narrow down this problem? Does the current problem statement capture only one issue? What criteria should our problem statement meet? How might reframing the problem help find better solutions?
Stage 4: Idea Finding – What ideas can solve this problem?	In this phase, the team generates a wide range of ideas to solve the defined problem. Classic brainstorming techniques are used to encourage divergence and defer judgment. Convergence techniques like mind-mapping and idea-combination help refine and shortlist the most promising ideas for further development.	What are all the possible solutions we can think of? How can we combine or expand on existing ideas? Which ideas seem the most promising? What criteria should we use to evaluate these ideas? Are we allowing for enough creative exploration?
Stage 5: Solution Finding – Which solution is the best fit?	This stage focuses on refining and evaluating the shortlisted ideas by applying obvious evaluation criteria. Using techniques such as comparison tables helps determine the most viable option based on how well the ideas meet the defined criteria. The best solution is then chosen for implementation.	What are the main criteria we should evaluate each idea against? Which solution best meets our goals and constraints? What improvements can we make to the shortlisted ideas? How can we develop and combine solutions to improve them? What solution is the most practical and achievable?
Stage 6: Acceptance Finding – How can we implement the solution effectively?	The final stage ensures that the chosen solution can be successfully implemented. Techniques such as Five W's and H and Implementation Checklists help develop actionable steps. By creating clear action plans and addressing potential problems early, teams can ensure smooth implementation and avoid common pitfalls.	How can we turn this solution into a practical action plan? What steps need to be taken for successful implementation? What are the potential problems we may face? Who will be responsible for each aspect of the implementation? How will we measure the success of our implementation?

The Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process provides a structured technique for innovation and decision-making. By following each stage, from objective-finding to solution implementation, teams can systematically address challenges and turn ideas into practical solutions. This template helps balance creativity with critical thinking, making it a valuable decision-making framework in both business and personal problem-solving contexts.