{"id":7166,"date":"2024-07-05T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T10:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maestrolearning.com\/?p=7166"},"modified":"2024-07-05T16:40:13","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T16:40:13","slug":"convergent-vs-divergent-thinking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maestrolearning.com\/blogs\/convergent-vs-divergent-thinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking: How to Use Both to Think Smarter"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to convergent vs divergent thinking, some of us favor one style of thinking over the other. You see it most clearly in the problem-solving process. When you’re solving a problem, do you tend to use logical reasoning? Or do you prefer to generate tons of creative ideas and see what sticks? Although some may naturally veer toward one method over the other, you need both to innovate the best possible solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Convergent and divergent thinking\u2014terms coined by American psychologist J.P. Guilford in 1956\u2014describe two complementary cognitive methods for analyzing a problem and choosing the optimal solution. For learning professionals, understanding convergent vs divergent thinking and how to use both can help you generate innovative ideas and deliver more-effective learning experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore convergent thinking vs divergent thinking and how to strike the right balance between the two. <\/span><\/p>\n

Convergent vs divergent thinking: what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n

Convergent and divergent thinking are opposite forces that call for very different mindsets. While it\u2019s impossible\u2014and contradictory\u2014to engage in both kinds of thinking at the same time, using both types of thinking throughout the problem-solving process will enhance the overall outcome. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the differences between divergent thinking vs convergent thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related<\/h5>

Are You Skipping the Validation Step? Why Piloting Your Learning Matters<\/p><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n

What is divergent thinking?<\/h3>\n

Divergent thinking involves generating as much information and as many ideas and solutions as possible\u2014think quantity over quality. This kind of thinking is all about gathering information, coming up with ideas, and letting creativity run wild. It\u2019s a free-flowing form of thinking where no idea is off limits and the goal is to generate multiple potential paths forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Divergent thinking can be applied to both problem-finding and problem-solving. For example, we apply divergent thinking at the beginning of the learning-design process to accurately diagnose the learner problem and avoid assumptions\u2014it\u2019s part of our <\/span>Learning Environment Analysis framework<\/span><\/a>. We gather as much information as possible about the learner audience and context, conducting field observations, interviewing learners, and reviewing the pre-existing learning materials. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The information gathered during this divergent-research phase informs the next step in the process in which we think convergently to identify the problem and create a problem statement (we\u2019ll talk more about that later on). Once we have our problem statement, it\u2019s time to problem-solve. During this phase, we return once again to divergent thinking in order to brainstorm as many solutions as possible. Those ideas then inform the final stage, where we think convergently to land on the best possible solution. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Divergent thinking is a creative process, but that doesn\u2019t mean you should forgo a structured, thoughtful session for your brainstorming. When we host brainstorms, we put plenty of thought into the prompts, activities, and structure of the session in order to <\/span>brainstorm better solutions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/div><\/div>\n
\n
How to conduct a Learning Environment Analysis<\/h5>\n

In this guide, you\u2019ll find an in-depth overview of a Learning Environment Analysis, a powerful framework for accurately understanding adult learners\u2019 previous knowledge, current challenges, and needs so that you can design the right learning solution. Plus, get worksheets and templates for each stage of the process.<\/p>\n\nDownload the guide\u2192<\/i><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What is convergent thinking?<\/h3>\n

Divergent and convergent thinking are on opposite sides of the same coin. Where divergent thinking is about discovering, <\/span>convergent thinking is about defining<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ve gathered plenty of information and ideas, now it\u2019s time to focus on systematically synthesizing, organizing, and categorizing it all to arrive at a well-defined solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal of convergent thinking is to take a structured approach to arriving at a clear solution. During this stage, you\u2019ll analyze the inputs from the divergent-thinking phase to determine an outcome or actionable next step\u2014it\u2019s a decision-making moment defined by logical thinking, analyzing, and evaluating.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to use convergent versus divergent thinking<\/h2>\n

By now, you\u2019re probably starting to understand convergent vs divergent thinking and how these two methods complement one another. The two modes of thinking work together: divergent thinking without convergent thinking isn\u2019t actionable, and convergent thinking without divergent thinking is limiting. But what\u2019s the best way to apply convergent vs divergent thinking? How do you know when to employ each method?<\/span><\/p>\n

We believe that using <\/span>the Double Diamond framework<\/span><\/a>\u2014a combination of divergent and convergent thinking exercises\u2014helps balance our focus on the content of the learning experience (where people tend to naturally focus) with the wants, needs, and challenges of the learners themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can delve deeper into exactly how we apply <\/span>the Double Diamond framework<\/span>, but what\u2019s most important to know here is how to alternate between the two phases of thinking to help fuel better learning experiences. Since divergent and convergent thinking call for very different mindsets, it\u2019s critical that each step remains distinct and separate.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our approach to convergent vs divergent thinking, at a glance:<\/p>\n

Discover – Divergent
\nWe start with an exploratory research phase to better understand learners and eliminate assumptions from our work. Objective tools such as field research and learner interviews help curb pre-judging and solutioning during this phase.<\/p>\n

Define – Convergent
\nNext, we take the information generated during the divergent phase and analyze it to reach an actionable next step. Tools like mind mapping and decision trees help us identify patterns and common themes that we can hone to form a clear problem statement.<\/p>\n

Develop – Divergent
\nShifting from problem-finding to problem-solving, we hold a strategic brainstorm to explore all possible solutions for the identified problem. Our philosophy is that quantity drives quality. We adopt a \u201cYes, and \u2026 \u201c mentality and don\u2019t allow any judging of ideas at this stage. One of the easiest ways to snuff out innovation and creativity is to start judging information or ideas as they emerge.<\/p>\n

Deliver – Convergent
\nIt\u2019s decision time\u2014we use convergent thinking to bring the entire process together. We evaluate the potential solutions we brainstormed, test and pilot our top choices, and then determine the best solution for the problem.<\/p>\n

Strategic learning experiences perform better<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re a creative thinker or naturally analytical, it\u2019s important to learn how to apply both kinds of thinking throughout the learning-design process. Without using both divergent and convergent thinking, you run the risk of misdiagnosing the learner problem, overlooking possible solutions, and delivering a learning experience that falls short.<\/span><\/p>\n

We believe that when learning is intentionally designed, amazing things can happen. With just a few simple yet strategic steps, you can easily apply convergent and divergent thinking to illuminate learners\u2019 needs, spark innovative ideas, and converge around a solution that works best.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to convergent vs divergent thinking, some of us favor one style of thinking over the other. You see it most clearly in the problem-solving process. When you’re solving a problem, do you tend to use logical reasoning? Or do you prefer to generate tons of creative ideas and see what sticks? Although […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":7728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3897,3869,3868],"tags":[],"role":[3891,3890,3893],"class_list":["post-7166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-frameworks-methodologies","category-learning-experience-design","category-strategy","role-instructional-designer","role-learning-leader","role-visual-designer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nConvergent vs Divergent Thinking: Using Both to Think Smarter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Convergent vs divergent thinking can be used to creatively solve problems. 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