PO (Lateral Thinking Device)
PO is de Bono’s language device for lateral thinking. It marks a provocation that can help a thinker move beyond an established pattern and develop another way to view the information.
THE IDEA
Summary
PO is a language device with which to carry out lateral thinking. PO is an insight tool since it enables one to use information in a way that encourages escape from the established patterns and insight restructuring into new ones. PO performs a special function that it is impossible to perform adequately in language without PO. Other ways of carrying out this function are cumbersome, weak and ineffective. The more skill and practice one invests in the use of PO the more effective it becomes. It is not language that makes PO necessary but the mechanism of mind.
When to use it
During creative problem-solving sessions to challenge assumptions and generate novel ideas.
In product design meetings to explore radical features or modifications.
In personal reflection to overcome cognitive biases and see problems from new angles.
In educational settings to teach students how to think divergently and escape mental ruts.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Provocative Operation in Brainstorming
In a brainstorming session, a team member says 'Po: customers do not want to pay for anything.' This provocative statement, prefixed with PO, forces the team to think beyond pricing and explore new business models such as freemium or ad-supported services.
Challenging Assumptions in Design
A designer uses PO in a product review: 'Po: chairs should be uncomfortable.' This provocation leads to exploring alternative seating solutions that prioritize movement or short-term use, such as standing desks or exercise ball chairs.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you use PO in your next team meeting to generate unconventional ideas?
What is a current problem where a PO statement could help break your thinking pattern?
Recall a time when you were stuck in a pattern; how could PO have helped you escape it?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)