Getting Started
Explore the SIT method
The traditional view of creativity is that it doesn’t follow rules or patterns. That you need to think outside the box, brainstorming without constraint, until you find a solution. In fact, the opposite is true. Creative ideas hide inside the box.
Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT) is a proven method of creativity that is teachable to anyone. It can be applied to anything that you want to innovate.
Learn More About the SIT Method
Inside the Box by Drew Boyd and Jacob Goldenberg
Inside the Box shows that more innovation — and better and quicker innovation — happens when you work inside your familiar world using a set of techniques that channel the creative process in a way that makes us more — not less — creative.
Systemic Inventive Thinking (SIT)
SIT is an innovation method that harnesses five thinking patterns that mankind has used for thousands of years.
Surprisingly, the majority of new, inventive, and successful products result from just five patterns: subtraction, division, multiplication, task unification and attribute dependency. These patterns form the basis of SIT.
Visit Systematic Inventive Thinking LLC at www.sitsite.com to learn about using the SIT method in an innovation workshop.
Closed World Principle
The Closed World Principle states that we should only use elements that exist in the system or environment when we are trying to solve a problem.
Traditional creativity and innovation methods push you outside the closed world, the resources you have on hand, to look for solutions. The Closed World Principle, as discovered by our colleague, Dr. Roni Horowitz, is a key part of the SIT method.
Read more about the Closed World Principle and how it applies to real-world scenarios.
Types of Patterns
The SIT Method uses the following patterns to help increase innovation and creativity in teams and individuals.
Subtraction
Sometimes more comes from less.
The Subtraction Technique encourages innovators to remove something from an existing product or service. This is often something that was previously thought to be essential to the product or service, but removing it could help.
Read how the Subtraction Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Division
Divide and innovate.
Using the Division Technique, many creative products and services have had a component divided out of them and placed somewhere else in the usage situation, usually in a way that initially seemed unproductive or unworkable.
Read how the Division Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Multiplication
If one is good, two is better.
With the Multiplication Technique, a component has been copied but changed in some way, usually in a way that initially seemed unnecessary or odd.
Read how the Multiplication Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Task Unification
Take multitasking to a whole new level.
With some creative products and services, certain tasks have been brought together and unified within one component of the product or service – usually a component that was previously thought to be unrelated to that task.
Read how the Task Unification Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Attribute Dependency
If this, then that.
In many innovative products and services, two or more attributes that previously seemed unrelated now correlate with one another. As one thing changes, something else changes.
Read how the Attribute Dependency Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Apply the SIT Method
Leverage the method and get creative.
Strategy
A Systemic Approach Removes the Mystery of Innovation and Creates a Sustainable Growth Engine
Innovation that is focused, efficient, and business-model relevant should not lead you off the tracks. It should lead to true growth.
Read how the Subtraction Technique has been applied in real-world examples
Innovative Culture
Innovation Is a Skill That Can Be Learned Like Any Other Skill
Empower employees to see innovation in a different light, where anyone can contribute effectively.
Read more about how you can create a culture of innovation within your organization.
Innovation Pipeline
A Flowing Innovation Pipeline Is Central to an Organization’s Success
A best practice at Fortune 100 companies is to see the front end of the innovation pipeline not as fuzzy, but as crystal clear.
Read more about how you can start and maintain a flowing innovation pipeline in your organization.
Teaching Creativity
Everyone Has the Capacity to Be Creative
When you intentionally call upon your creative side, you’ll realize that it can be summoned.
Read more about how creativity can be both taught and learned.
Marketing Innovation
Creating an Innovative New Product Is Only Half the Battle
Even with the greatest gadget in the world, you still have to convince your customers to buy it.
So how do you do it? Drew shares tips and examples of great marketing innovations on his blog.
Tap in and Innovate
Subscribe to Drew’s newsletter for new ideas, tips, and insights to help your creativity grow.