Thinking : Vertical and Lateral

Before we leap into the Verticals and Laterals, lets understand what Thinking is.

It can simply be defined as an act of generating thoughts or considering or reasoning about something or trying to get a perspective or understand the issue. Thinking is therefore creating some mental models, visualizations, patterns and flow diagrams in our mind trying to attain an objective. So when we are imagining we are actually thinking !!! Its just some of the brain power !!!

Vertical thinking is when we think linearly and objectively trying to look for a correct and unique solution to a problem. It is hence conclusive in nature

Lateral thinking on the other hand is like exploring possible set of solutions that can be looked into as per the context of the problem. It is a non linear approach and may not always give the correct option but the most suited one.

Edward De Bono coined the term “Lateral Thinking” and has written extensively about it in his book with the same name- “Lateral Thinking : A textbook of Creativity“.  He has another good book “Six Thinking Hats” which is a must read for all professionals !

“Vertical thinking is selection by exclusion. One works within a frame of reference and throws out what is not relevant. With lateral thinking one realizes that a pattern cannot be restructured from within itself but only as the result of some outside influence” – Edward de Bono.

Design Thinking is again something that evolves using lateral and vertical thinking methods.

“Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer — that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
— Steve Jobs

“Design thinking can be described as a discipline that uses the designer’s sensibility and methods to match people’s needs with what is technologically feasible and what a viable business strategy can convert into customer value and market opportunity.”
– Tim Brown CEO, IDEO