Convergent Thinking Versus Divergent Thinking

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Description:

Imagine you have a problem you need to solve and you’re looking for innovative solutions. In this moment, there’s a good chance you’ll choose one of two cognitive approaches. In 1956, the psychologist J.P. Guilford coined the terms convergent thinking and divergent thinking to describe these contrasting approaches.

Convergent thinking is linear and systematic while divergent thinking is web-like, focusing on the connections between ideas.

Convergent thinking narrows down multiple ideas into a single solution.
On the other hand, divergent thinking expands outward by generating multiple ideas, often thinking like a hacker and using materials in original ways. Here, you treat barriers as design opportunities.

Convergent thinking tends to be more focused (target) while divergent thinking is more flexible and iterative.

Convergent thinking is analytical and focused on what’s best.
By contrast, divergent thinking is open-ended.
Participants are encouraged to take creative risks.
even though some ideas might not work.

Convergent thinking asks, “Why?” Divergent thinking asks, “Why not?”
While these might seem like competitive approaches, they actually go hand-in-hand.
Often, teams will use divergent thinking to generate multiple ideas followed by convergent thinking to analyze and narrow down ideas.

Later, they might use divergent thinking to come up with fresh perspectives, followed by convergent thinking, in an ongoing cycle.