Tool 26

The lotus blossom technique

What the tool is

The Lotus Blossom technique, invented in Japan by Yasuo Matsumura, combines brainstorming and mind-mapping to create an extensive graphic that explores many aspects of a problem in a way that combines structure with creativity. It is not only elegant but can reveal complex relationships and depth that do not necessarily emerge from more standard brainstorming techniques.

When to use it

  • When standard brainstorming techniques would not give depth of solution.
  • When you want to explore relationships between components of a problem.

What you will need

  • Flipchart paper and marker pens.

How to use it

  1. Draw a 3 × 3 grid in the centre of the page. This is grid 1, which represents the central ...

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