Random Association is an idea generation method which allows students to systematically generate new ideas through a fixed formula. The whole premise of Random Association is to use a Random Word to provoke a reaction from the brain.
The random word or random image method
Random mental inputs allow us to enter the existing patterns of our thinking at a different point, thus presenting us with a different path to an answer. The random word or random image method is a powerful lateral-thinking technique that is easy to use. It is by far the simplest of all creative techniques and is widely used by people who need to create new ideas (for example, for new products). Chance events allow us to enter the existing patterns of our thinking at a different point.
The associations of a word applied to the new “out of context” situation generates new connections in our mind, often producing an instant effect, insight or intuition. It is said that Newton got the idea of gravity when he was hit on the head with an apple while sitting under an apple tree. It is not necessary to sit under trees and wait for an apple to fall – we can get up and shake the tree. We can produce our own chance events.
How does it work?
The brain is an efficient self-organizing system, and very good at making connections. Almost any random word will stimulate ideas on the subject. Follow the associations and functions of the stimulus word, as well as using aspects of the word as a metaphor.
Random Association: Exercise
Situation: How to make a person stop smoking in 6 months time?
Random words: Traffic Light.
Association: Color, Dirty, Metal, Sign
Random Word: Traffic Light
Association
1) Color : Use colors to indicate danger.
In practice What might this mean? Paint different colors to the cigarette to indicate the level of danger that the smoker is getting into. Starting off with, Green; start smoking and start to feel stupid. Yellow; entering the dangerous zone and finally Red; you are now about to commit suicide!
2) Metal : Make it tough to smoke.
In practice What might this mean? The cigarette is made by metal. It represent the toughness of a cigarette thus the appearance makes human think twice before smoke it.
3) Dirty : Create a “Yucky” effect to the cigarette
In practice What might this mean? Yucky effect will simply make the cigarette become gross.
4) Sign : Create a weird and scary sign
In practice What might this mean? Signs such as poison's name, placed beside the cigarette itself will play an important message on how dangerous the content of cigarette are.
End Result:
Hope this entry helps you in understanding what is random association :)
