GB2231002A - Thinking aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for creating thought models has a plurality of pieces (4) movable over a magnetic board (2). The pieces comprise a plurality of sets, and the pieces are coloured to characterise the respective set. Each piece also has a writing surface. In use, a thought model is created by grouping different aspects of a project with respective topics identified for consideration within each group (6 to 16). This facilitates discussion of the project as a whole and resolution of problems arising therein. <IMAGE>

Description

THINKING AIDS This invention relates to systems for assistance in decision making, and for creating useful models of systems and procedures. Essentially, it is concerned with establishing a proper association between ideas and concepts in the context of business and other practices.

In its broadest sense then, the invention is directed as systems for creating thought models.

The basis of the present invention is the concept of providing a visible or physical representation of ideas, practical considerations, influential factors, and ultimate aims for example, presenting them in a manner which enables them to be grouped and classified in order to assist the user in arranging such thoughts in a manner which will facilitate his or her consideration of various aspects of a problem. The system cannot of course guarantee a solution, but can often at the very least assist in isolating a principle problem which the situation under consideration presents.

A system according to the invention for creating thought models has a support substrate with a plurality of pieces for movement thereon. The pieces comprise a plurality of sets of pieces, with the pieces of each set bearing an identification characterising the respective set. Each piece also has a writing surface, enabling the user to specify, in abbreviated form, a thought thereon.

The surface of the substrate is preferably also suited to receive writing or other markings.

The movable pieces in systems according to the invention are normally planar, enabling them to be readily moved around the substrate after a thought has been specified on the writing surfaces thereof. The substrate may be magnetised, and each piece include a magnetic component which holds the piece on the substrate. Such a magnetic component will usually be disposed substantially centrally of the surface of the respective piece and spaced from the outer periphery thereof. The pieces are normally shaped such that they can nest neatly with adjacent pieces on the substrate to form blocks or groups which define a substantially solid surface. preferably, the pieces are hexagonal planar elements.

The identification characterising the pieces of each set is preferably accomplished by colour, and mostpreferably by the entirety of the respective writing surfaces bearing a solid colour. In the context of this Application, the word "colour" is used to encompass black and white, and these colours are particularly useful as will be explained. Preferred embodiments of the invention include sets of pieces bearing different colours, and the different colours are associated with different types of thought. Essentially, we have found that cognitive processes are facilitated by using colours that correspond to different kinds of thought factors.

By colour coding of pieces in systems according to the invention in this way, the consideration of differ aspects of a particular situation is facilitated.

Particularly, we have found tiie following association of thoughts with different colours to be useful in systems according to the invention.

White is used to identify ideas or concepts in general, as well as for methods or techniques.

These are more general thoughts. For example, different kinds of cognition would themselves be listed on white pieces.

Yellow is used to donate positive factors in the situation being studied. For example, good market trends, useful connections and resources are positive factors which can be specified on yellow pieces. Yellow is a bright and encouraging colour, and where yellow appears in a thought model it is readily recognisable as indicating an useful component.

Green is also used as an positive colour, but to represent potential assistance rather than that which is more readily available. Green suggests new growth, and thus can be used as the background to creative or innovative thoughts.

Blue is used to represent factors of relative disinterest, and of somewhat abstract concern.

For example, it might represent the need for negotiation, harmonisation, understanding and communication. Broadly, it could be said that blue pieces are used to indicate a need to consider a total situation rather than specific aspects thereof.

Ultimate ais or objectives can be specified on Violet pieces. In some respects, violet pieces are used to express determination. Where violet pieces appear in a thought model created using the system it can represent the need for positive action Red represents opinions rather than facts.

It can also be used to identify issues which could be the subject of aggressive debate.

Guesses and speculations can be specified on red pieces and can be encouraging or discouraging depending upon what other factors are associated with them.

Oranae is used to represent operations, functions and organisations which can be used or exploited in a given situation. A known facility might be represented on an orange piece, as might be a public body from whom advice is readily available.

Essentially factual matters are represented by Brown. Basic information, statistics or imperical realities are examples of matter which does not require interpretation, merely identification. That which is specified on brown pieces must be used basically as it is, and without modification.

Grey represents areas of doubt. The presence of a grey piece may require the consideration of a number of factors which could influence a final decision.

Black quite logically is used to represent primary difficulties or problems, or major drawbacks in a situation. If a mass of black pieces appears in a thought model, then it suggests a negative ultimate decision.

When using a system according to the invention, an individual or group of individuals can present a series of thoughts or factors which are relevant in the consideration of a situation, and categorise them according to type such as those listed above with reference to the proposed colour coding. Each thought or factor is then specified in abbreviated form if necessary, on a piece bearing the appropriate identification, and placed on the substrate. The pieces can then be moved around the substrate into groups thereby relating each thought or factor to a specific aspect of the situation. Of course, where the same factor is relevant to two or more aspects of the situation, then correspondingly two or more pieces bearing the same identification will be prepared and distributed to the respective groups of pieces. The pieces having been so arranged on the substrate, the model created can be considered as a whole or separately according to -:ne various groups. Where the above colour coding is used, it is logical to first consider groups which have a predominance of black pieces, if any exist.

If black pieces are combined with yellow pieces, that particular aspect of the situation may not be so discouraging. Consideration might be given for example to the possibility of reclassifying a "black" factor as a "grey" factor if a degree of optimism can be found.

Other combinations that might be searched for are red and violet, the red representing a potential dispute that might be resolved by positive leadership represented by violet. The combination of green with grey could be the basis for discussion of a new development that could influence a vague trend or change that is currently unclear. These are but some examples of the benefits that are available by grouping otherwise possibly random thoughts or factors in a manner which aid the reaching of some form of decision.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates an arrangement of pieces on a substrate which represents a thought model generated using a system according to the invention.

The drawing shows a magnetic board 2 defining a substrate upon which a plurality of pieces 4 are arranged in groups 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Each group can represent an aspect of the situation under consideration, for example the launching of a new product by an existing company.

Group 6 identifies the situation generally, and the presence of three pieces represents three basic components of the project. One would normally be white as indicated by Wh; another might be brown (Br); and another might be grey (Gr) or green (Gn). Thus, group 6 represents a basic idea or concept with the white piece in combination with a market factor or known statistics (Br), and market movements which are either unknown (Gr) or potentially developing (Gn).

Groups 8 and 10 relate to the manufacture of the new product. As manufacture involves both machinery and products, these two groups are linked together. Factors relating to the product are included in group 8, and factors relating to the machinery in group 10. They are linked by a white piece indicating the production process itself which in the context of these two groups is not regarded as a problem. On the product side 8, the yellow piece (Ye) represents the ready availability of a raw material, and is therefore positive. The orange piece (Or) indicates alternative means by which the raw material may be obtained, influenced by known factors represented by the brown piece (Br). There might be some dispute about tne particular source to use, and this is represented by the red piece (Re).Thus far, group 8 is fairly encouraging, and the violet (Vi) piece indicates a belief that a dispute can be resolved.

On the machinery side, the black piece (Bk) represents the positive investment required but this is to some extent balanced by the blue piece (Bl) which recognises that some investment is essential in any event. The red piece (Re) in group 10 raises the question of whether to buy new machinery or adapt existing machinery, and another violet piece (Vi) indicates the need for leadership on this point.

Group 12 is centred around a white piece (Wh) representing legal aspects. The grey piece (Gr) raises the issue of patent infringement, and the black piece (Bk) indicates possible difficulties with employees. The yellow piece (Ye) indicates a belief that these difficulties can be overcome, and the violet piece (Vi) again indicates the need for some leadership on the legal issues.

Group 14 relates to finance and is again centred on a white piece (Wh). The red piece (Re) represents the question of where to raise the requisite money for investment, and the orange piece (Or) identifies one option of say, a bank loan. A second orange piece (Or) suggests sponsorship or direct investment which might be influenced by investment trends represented by the grey piece (Gr) The yellow piece (Ye) suggests that finance should not be too difficult to raise because of the virtues of the product itself and its marketing possibilities, and the blue piece (B1) indicates a general recognition that negotiation or discussion should be able to resolve this aspect of the situation.

Group 16 relates to marketing. Again there is an investment aspect here which requires capital outlay represented by the black piece (Bk). The orange piece (Or) represents the possibility that an external agency might be employed to advertise the product, and the grey piece (Gr) refers to the need to consider market trends.

The brown piece (Br) represents the known position in the market place for potentially competitive products, and the violet piece (Vi) indicates the need for determination in the marketing strategy. The green piece (Gn) relates to the growth potential of the product, and the yellow piece (Ye) is another expression of confidence in the product itself.

Group 18 is headed by the violet piece (Vi) indicating the intention that the project should be profitable. The brown piece (Br) indicates a recognition that some of the profits will have to be set against financial commitments and used for further investment, and the red piece (Re) indicates that the manner in which the profits are distributed will be the subject of some dispute. The blue piece (Bl) indicates once again the belief that such disputes can be resolved, and the yellow piece (Ye) represents the overall optimism.

The example described above is a very basic illustration of how a system according to the invention can be used to provoke structured discussion of a particular project. It is by no means complete and in a real situation many more factors would have to be taken into account. In practice, a group of people might generate thoughts and classify them by colour or some other coding, on various pieces, and group the pieces very generally in the manner discussed above. Where the same factor is relevant to different aspects of a project, two similar pieces can be similarly marked, and included in different groups. When using colour coding as described above, it will b recognised that the overall effect of the pattern generated in the illustrated example is broadly encouraging.There are relatively few black pieces, and where they are present they are balanced by the more optimistic green or yellow pieces, or as in group 10 by red, blue and violet. The black piece in group 10 might be considered too discouraging, and as the need for investment machinery is an obvious and unavoidable component of the product it might be replaced by a brown piece. It would of course be quite proper to replace pieces in this way once discussion of the individual groups of pieces has been initiated.

In the use of the system, not only will the pieces be marked or written upon to identify a factor or comment, but the substrate may also be marked to denote a link between groups or factors in different groups where for example one might influence another, either directly or indirectly. Any general comment can be written on the substrate and might be an as yet unclassified thought.

Similarly a piece with a thought marked thereon might be prepared but not disposed in a group. The intention will be to present thoughts on pieces whenever possible so that they can be moved around as the pieces are grouped or regrouped as a discussion of the project develops.

The illustrated example uses hexagonal pieces for the reason that they conveniently nest together in groups to form substantially continuous surfaces. This in combination with the use of solid colours on the pieces, as is preferred, enables the user or users to get an overall impression of the complexities of a situation and its various aspects with reference to the predominant colours in the various groups.

Both the pieces and the substrate are preferably formed with surfaces, such as of a suitable plastics material, which can be easily wiped clean for amendment or re-use. Systems according to the invention will usually be marketed in kit form, with writing implements, such as felt-tipped pens, suitable for writing on the exposed surfaces of the pieces and the substrate, with different coloured implements provided to contrast with any colour identification on the pieces and substrate, and a wiping cloth or device for cleaning them. As noted above, the substrate and the pieces may be magnetic to enable the easy movement and location of the pieces on the board.

Claims (8)

1. A system for creating thought models having a support substrate with a plurality of pieces for movement thereon, the pieces comprising a plurality of sets of pieces with the pieces of each set bearing an identification characterising the respective set, and each piece having a writing surface.

2. A system according to Claim 1 wherein each piece is substantially planar.

3. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the support substrate is magnetised, and each piece includes a magnetic component attracted to the substrate.

4. A system according to Claim 2 and Claim 3 wherein the magnetic component of each piece is disposed substantially centrally on one side and spaced from the outer periphery thereof.

5. A system according to any of Claim 2 to Claim 4 wherein the pieces are hexagonal.

6. A system according to any preceding Claim wherein the identification characterising the pieces of each set is by colour.

7. A system according to Claim 6 wherein the entire writing surface of each piece is coloured to provide said identification.

8. A system according to Claim 8 including writing implements specifically adapted for writing on said coloured surfaces.