Conceptual Blockbusting A Guide to BETTER Ideas (John L. Adams)

Intellectual blocks occur when.... Lack of information / Incorrect information Formulating problem in incorrect language (e.g., verbal, math, visual) Inflexible or inadequate use of intellectual problem-solving strategies information is incorrectly collected, formulated or processed.

Intellectual Blocks Using the Wrong Language (verbal, mathematical, visual, rhetoric, formal…) Language as responsible for the wiring of your brain Sauvage) Language and it expressive boundaries

Choose the Right Problem-Solving Language Types of language: verbal, mathematical, visual, rhetoric

Expressive blocks restrict conceptualization at the final stage of idea-expression. Inadequate language skill to ex-press idea (verbally, visually, musically, etc.) Slowness in expression; can’t record ideas quickly enough

Language = techniques Reduce ‘problem’ to a manageable set of tasks. Structure and order task sequence. Sharpen focus and direction to tasks. Cognitive tools address, describe and represent the ‘problem’. Platform for further analysis or work. Communication medium between interested parties. Disseminates results

Expressive Blocks