How can you use Synectics to generate new content ideas?

1 What is synectics?

Synectics is a word derived from the Greek syn (together) and ektos (outside). It means to join together different or unrelated elements. Synectics was developed by William J.J. Gordon and his colleagues in the 1950s as a way to foster creativity and innovation in various fields. Synectics is based on the idea that creative thinking is not a linear or logical process, but rather a playful and intuitive one that involves making new combinations and associations.

2 How does synectics work?

Synectics uses four main types of analogies to stimulate creative thinking: direct, personal, symbolic, and fantasy. Direct analogies are comparisons between two similar things or situations. Personal analogies are comparisons between yourself and something else. Symbolic analogies are comparisons between something and a symbol or an abstract concept. Fantasy analogies are comparisons between something and an imaginary or fictional scenario. Each type of analogy can help you generate new content ideas by triggering different emotions, insights, and associations.

3 How to use synectics for content creation?

To use synectics for content creation, you need to follow four steps: define, generate, evaluate, and refine. First, you need to define your content topic and goal. What are you trying to communicate, educate, or persuade your audience about? What problem are you trying to solve or what question are you trying to answer? Second, you need to generate as many analogies as possible related to your topic and goal. You can use the four types of analogies mentioned above, or mix and match them. You can also use tools like mind maps, brainstorming, or word lists to help you. Third, you need to evaluate your analogies and select the most promising ones. You can use criteria like relevance, originality, clarity, and impact to help you. Fourth, you need to refine your analogies and transform them into content ideas. You can use techniques like storytelling, metaphors, examples, or visuals to help you.

4 What are the benefits of synectics for content creation?

Synectics can help you create content that is more creative, engaging, and effective. By using analogies, you can make your content more relatable, memorable, and persuasive. You can also appeal to different types of learners and preferences by using different types of analogies. Synectics can also help you overcome content fatigue, writer's block, or boredom by giving you a fresh and fun way to approach your topic and goal.

5 What are some examples of synectics for content creation?

Synectics can be a useful tool for content creation. For instance, if you want to write about improving productivity, you can use a direct analogy with a sports team and explain how to plan, execute, and review their performance. On the other hand, if you want to discuss ways to cope with stress, a personal analogy with a superhero can be used to describe how to use powers, weaknesses, and allies in dealing with challenges. Additionally, if your goal is to achieve something, a symbolic analogy with a mountain can help illustrate how to set, pursue, and reach your summit. Finally, if you want to unleash your creativity, a fantasy analogy with a wizard could be used to explain how spells, potions, and wand can create magic.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?