Short answer
Encourage abstract thinking during the initial stages of a design project to foster a wider range of innovative ideas.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior (2017)
- Method
- Literature Review and Theoretical Synthesis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Construal Level Theory suggests that abstract thinking, which focuses on high-level goals and principles, fosters innovation by encouraging broader perspectives and novel connections, whereas concrete thinking, focused on specific details, can hinder it. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. Using Literature review and theoretical synthesis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Encourage abstract thinking during the initial stages of a design project to foster a wider range of innovative ideas.
Abstract Thinking Drives Innovation by Shifting Focus from Details to Possibilities
Construal Level Theory suggests that abstract thinking, which focuses on high-level goals and principles, fosters innovation by encouraging broader perspectives and novel connections, whereas concrete thinking, focused on specific details, can hinder it.
Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Abstract construals (focusing on 'why' and overarching goals) promote creativity and the generation of novel ideas.
- 02Concrete construals (focusing on 'how' and specific details) are more effective for implementation and execution but can limit initial ideation.
- 03Shifting between abstract and concrete thinking can be a strategic tool for managing the innovation process.
Application
Design takeaway
Encourage abstract thinking during the initial stages of a design project to foster a wider range of innovative ideas.
How to apply
During the 'Define' or 'Ideate' phases of a design project, use prompts that focus on the overarching purpose, values, and desired future states rather than immediate functional requirements.
Project actions
- 01Use 'why' questions during your initial research and brainstorming to encourage abstract thinking.
- 02When you get stuck on a problem, try to reframe it in more abstract terms to see new possibilities.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a theoretical framework for understanding cognitive processes in innovation.
- +Offers practical strategies for fostering creativity.
Limitations
Individual differences in cognitive style might influence how easily someone can shift between abstract and concrete thinking.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of findings depends on consistent application of construal prompts and objective measures of idea novelty. Validity is supported by its grounding in psychological theory and consistent findings across various studies.
Think critically
To what extent can the deliberate manipulation of construal levels be reliably integrated into existing design methodologies to consistently enhance innovation outcomes?
Design Principles
"Foster divergent thinking by encouraging abstract problem framing."
Understanding how mental representations influence creative problem-solving is crucial for designing innovation processes and environments. By manipulating the level of construal, design teams can be guided towards more innovative solutions.
What This Means for Your Design
When you think about a problem in big, general terms (abstract thinking), you're more likely to come up with new and creative ideas. When you think about the small, specific details (concrete thinking), you're better at figuring out how to actually do it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Discuss how adopting an abstract mindset during the concept generation phase of your design project led to a wider range of potential solutions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Construal Level Theory posits that abstract thinking, focusing on high-level goals and principles, fosters creativity and innovation by enabling broader perspectives and novel connections. This principle was applied during the initial ideation phase of this design project by framing the problem in terms of its ultimate user benefit and societal impact, rather than immediate functional constraints, leading to a more diverse and innovative set of potential solutions.
Source
Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior
Construal Level Theory in Organizational Research
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about abstract thinking drives innovation by shifting focus from details to possibilities?
- Encourage abstract thinking during the initial stages of a design project to foster a wider range of innovative ideas. Evidence: Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior (2017).
- Why does "Abstract Thinking Drives Innovation by Shifting Focus from Details to Possibilities" matter for design?
- Understanding how mental representations influence creative problem-solving is crucial for designing innovation processes and environments. By manipulating the level of construal, design teams can be guided towards more innovative solutions.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Encourage abstract thinking during the initial stages of a design project to foster a wider range of innovative ideas.
- What were the main findings?
- Abstract construals (focusing on 'why' and overarching goals) promote creativity and the generation of novel ideas.. Concrete construals (focusing on 'how' and specific details) are more effective for implementation and execution but can limit initial ideation.. Shifting between abstract and concrete thinking can be a strategic tool for managing the innovation process.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Theoretical Synthesis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2017 journal from Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- During the 'Define' or 'Ideate' phases of a design project, use prompts that focus on the overarching purpose, values, and desired future states rather than immediate functional requirements.
- What are the limitations?
- The theory's application to specific design disciplines may require further empirical validation. The effectiveness of shifting construal levels can be influenced by individual differences and task complexity.