Alternatives Is there another way? What are the alternatives? What else can be done? Stop to Look for Alternatives Often, the alternatives are provided (e.g. menu, or limited to experience/training). Finding more alternatives--even when some alternatives are available or given, it may be worthwhile to stretch. (QUOTA!) Finding and creating alternatives (p. 125) "...as a general principle, at least be aware of the existing possible alternatives before setting out to develop some new ones. It does not make sense to seek out an exotic way of doing something when there is a very good way available if you made the effort to find it. When you are aware of the standard ways, it does make sense to look for more creative ways." Watch for "the fixed points" -- "whenever we set out to look for alternatives there is always a reference point." E.g. purpose--what other ways of achieving this purpose are there? groups--what kind of groups does this belong to? What specs? resemblance--what other things look like this, act like this, etc. concepts--what kind of concept are we dealing with? Think about the fixed point(s) you are using, and consider changing them.