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What Is the Lotus Blossum Technique?

Lotus Blossom Technique

Lotus Blossom Technique is a brainstorming method that expands on central ideas by systematically exploring related sub-topics.
Definition
Daniel Wirtz
Co-Founder, Facilitator School
Last updated
June 14, 2024

The Lotus Blossom Technique is a creative structure that helps you expand on a central idea, challenge, or problem by systematically exploring related themes and solutions around it. Imagine having a lotus flower in front of you where each petal represents a potential area for brainstorming or solution generation. At the core is your main idea or problem, and each surrounding petal serves as a springboard to delve deeper into sub-ideas or specific aspects related to your main theme.

This technique is particularly beneficial in scenarios where you want to thoroughly dissect a concept or problem, ensuring that multiple perspectives and aspects are considered. It encourages expansive thinking, allowing team members to branch out and consider various possibilities without restrictions. As you fill out each 'petal' and its subsections, you systematically cover a broad area of topics or solutions related to your main focus, making it an excellent tool for both individual and group ideation sessions.

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Lotus Blossom Technique

How does the Lotus Blossom technique work?

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The Lotus Blossom technique involves beginning with a central idea or problem, and systematically exploring it by branching out into eight sub-themes. These sub-themes are written around the central idea, like petals around the core of a lotus flower. Each of these 'petals' can further be explored, again branching out into more specific themes, which helps in deepening the exploration and generating comprehensive ideas and solutions.

Why is the Lotus Blossom technique useful?

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The usefulness of the Lotus Blossom technique lies in its structured yet creative approach to problem-solving and ideation. It helps individuals and teams to break down complex problems into more manageable parts, ensuring that all aspects are explored. It's particularly beneficial in enhancing the depth and breadth of ideation and brainstorming sessions, leading to more well-rounded and innovative solutions.

When should you use the Lotus Blossom technique?

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The Lotus Blossom technique is ideal when you need a thorough exploration of a complex issue or when trying to generate fresh ideas in brainstorming sessions. It's especially useful when teams are stuck or when regular brainstorming methods don't produce the needed depth or variety of ideas. Due to its structured nature, it also works well in settings that require systematic thought processes, such as project planning or strategy formulation.

How do you use the Lotus Blossom technique?

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To use the Lotus Blossom technique:

  1. Start with writing your main theme or problem in the center of a large piece of paper.
  2. Draw eight boxes (or 'petals') around it, each representing a related sub-theme or aspect to explore.
  3. Within each of these boxes, further sub-themes can be generated, expanding the exploration area.
  4. Continue this process until you've sufficiently explored all relevant aspects of the problem or idea.

This systematic approach ensures a comprehensive exploration of the problem or theme at hand.

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