Sifting Assumptions

Our understanding of the rules shapes how we play the game. These rules are learned or based on experience.

Our understanding of the "givens" shapes how we solve our problems. These assumptions are also based on learning and experience, and put boundaries around the options we see.

But there is a way to shift the impact of your assumptions, using them as catalysts for game changing inspirations:

List the "givens" in your challenge. If your challenge has to do with laptop computers, these could include

• Laptop computers have keyboards.


• They have one screen.


• The screen flips up.


• We interact with software through the computer ...

Consider each "given" in turn, asking, "What if we changed or reversed this truth in some way; then what could be possible?"

• What if they didn't have keyboards? Then ...


• What if they had several screens? Then ...


• What if there were several screens ... and they interacted with each other? Then ...

David Merrill explored the possibilities listed above while building Siftables.

Siftables are cookie-sized computer tiles that can be stacked and shifted; interacting with the user and each other; creating images, calculations, language, even music. See Siftables in action by clicking here .

A universe of possibility opens up as you learn to recognize, test and challenge your assumptions.