Linear Thinking
Techniques that attempt to define and organize ideas in a step-by-step fashion are grouped under the heading of linear thinking. The opposite of linear thinking is the more free-form techniques of radiant thinking. Radiant thinking is more often associated with the beginning phases of brainstorming where all ideas are gathered, no matter how or even if they will eventually fit into the solution. Linear thinking is better left to the development phase of an idea, where a major direction may already be determined and additional ideas are gathered to support and fill-in empty spaces on the way to the final solution.
Linear thinking techniques tend to be more structured and result-oriented than radiant thinking techniques. Often using linear techniques, some ideas not germane to the solution are discarded. Linear thinking techniques are advantageous for developing a final, workable plan toward your solution. By organizing ideas in a step-by-step manner, the notes themselves become a guide to completing your project.
A good example of a linear thinking technique is storyboarding, where ideas are placed in a linear timeline. As ideas are generated, they are placed on the storyboard where they make sense within the entire narrative. Because storyboarding is a linear technique. ideas which do not fit the story are discarded toward the end of the process.
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