Six Thinking Hats

Six Thinking Hats is a technique that can be used during the idea generation process to analyse idea potential.
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The Six Thinking Hats method can be used following the idea generation process to provide an in-depth analysis of the idea potential. Each different coloured hat represents a thinking style. The main value of this method lies in its ability to highlight different perspectives of the ideas, to refine them further and prepare them for the next step of the ideation process.  

  1. Provide an overview of the exercise, and describe the different thinking styles associate with each hat

  • White Hat – Data, Facts, Figures 

    The White thinking Hat offers a neutral questioning approach that focuses on the available data and facts regarding the idea.

    • What do we know? 
    • What does this tell us? 

  • Red Hat – Emotions and Feelings 

    The Red Hat represents feelings and improves the insight into the ideas using your intuition, gut reaction, and emotion.

    • How does this make us feel? 
    • How will it make our stakeholders feel?

  • Black Hat – Caution and Risks 

    The aim of this approach is to focus on warnings, risks or cautions, and spot difficulties and weak points. 

    • What doesn’t work? 
    • What could go wrong?

  •  Yellow Hat – Optimism 

    In contrast to the Black Hat, the Yellow Hat questions logical optimistic assessment of an idea. It improves the understanding of the advantages and benefits that certainly helps you identify the value of the idea.   

    • What works? 
    • What are the advantages? 

     

  • Green Hat – Ideas 

    The green hat represents creative thinking with the objective to generate new ideas, possibilities, and alternatives out of the existing ideas. With this hat, you can develop new solutions to previously defined idea issues or to look up for new ideas from a creative perspective. 

    • What are some alternatives? 
    • How can we innovate? 

     

  • Blue Hat – Control 

    The blue hat is associated with an overview of the idea and it represents process control. The blue hat organizes the next steps, proposes an action plan and sets objectives of the idea. It is also used to summarize and conclude the potential of the idea. 

    • How do we approach this problem? 
    • What are the ground rules? 

     

2. For each idea that the team or group has generated, assess the idea using the 6 different hats. The intention is that each hat should be worn for each idea to fully analyze its potential. It may not be feasible, given time constraints or alternate priorities, to review all concepts. Therefore, divide the participants into pairs or small groups and ask them to work through their top 3-5 ideas. 

3. Bring the full group back together to share their ideas. Remind the group that every idea is welcome and to avoid judgment. All ideas should be collected and captured through notes or virtual transcription software. 

Templates & Downloads

Last Updated:  March 24, 2021

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