Ever been stuck in a rut, unable to see a way forward? Chances are you were using only one half of your thinking. Creative problem-solving needs two modes that pull in opposite directions: divergent thinking, which opens up options, and convergent thinking, which narrows them down to a decision.
This guide explains what each one is, shows them side by side, and walks through a four-step process, Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver, that uses both in turn.
Divergent and convergent thinking explained
The psychologist J. P. Guilford introduced both terms in 1956, in his paper "The Structure of Intellect", to describe two kinds of mental process used when we face a problem.
Divergent thinking is about generating many possible answers. You explore widely, make unexpected connections and hold back judgement so that ideas can surface. It is what happens in a good brainstorm.
Convergent thinking is about choosing. You compare the options against criteria such as cost, time, risk and fit, then narrow them down to the one or two most likely to work.
The simplest way to remember it: divergent thinking is breadth, convergent thinking is depth. You need the first to find ideas worth having and the second to turn one of them into a plan.
Examples of divergent and convergent thinking
You use both all the time, usually in this order:
- Solving a problem at work. The team first calls out every idea it can think of without criticism (divergent). It then weighs the pros and cons, merges overlapping ideas and picks the top few to test (convergent).
- Designing a product. Designers sketch many different concepts (divergent), then compare them against what users need and what can be built, and refine one (convergent).
- Writing a paper. Free-writing every topic and argument that comes to mind is divergent. Choosing a thesis and arranging the evidence beneath it is convergent.
- Planning an event. Listing possible themes, venues and activities is divergent. Cutting the list by budget, date and numbers is convergent.
- Studying for a test. Writing out every question that might come up is divergent. Quizzing yourself to find your weak spots is convergent.
- Cooking. Trying unusual ingredient combinations is divergent. Repeating and adjusting the recipe until it works is convergent.
Divergent vs convergent thinking: the differences
| Convergent thinking | Divergent thinking | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Looks for one best or correct answer | Explores many answers that may be equally valid |
| Direction | Moves towards a single conclusion | Branches out in many directions |
| Judgement | Evaluates ideas as they arise | Holds judgement back so ideas can emerge |
| Creativity | Relies on established methods and prior knowledge | Makes new connections between unrelated ideas |
| Purpose | Refines ideas into a decision | Generates a wide pool of options |
| Typical activities | Critique, evaluation, planning, troubleshooting | Brainstorming, mind mapping, "what if" scenarios, improvisation |
How to use both: a four-step process
The Double Diamond, a design process published by the UK Design Council in 2005, puts the two modes in a clear sequence. It has four stages: Discover, Define, Develop and Deliver. Each diamond opens up (divergent) and then closes down (convergent). The same pattern works for almost any project, not only design.
1. Discover (divergent)
Start wide. The goal is to understand the problem from many angles before you decide what it is. Talk to the people affected, watch how they work today, read existing data and ask open-ended questions. Do not jump to solutions yet, and do not filter what you hear.
With a group, a live word cloud is a quick way to do this. Everyone answers from their phone at the same time, so quieter people contribute as easily as confident ones, and the most common themes grow larger on screen.
2. Define (convergent)
Now narrow. Look for patterns in what you found, group related points (affinity mapping works well) and decide what the real problem is. Finish with a short problem statement that the whole team agrees on. If the findings do not point to a clear problem, go back and gather more.
3. Develop (divergent)
Open up again, this time to solutions. Brainstorm against the problem statement, aim for quantity over quality and welcome wild ideas, because a silly idea often leads to a good one. Hold off on criticism until the next stage.
4. Deliver (convergent)
Narrow for the last time. Test each idea against criteria you agreed in advance: does it solve the problem, is it feasible, what are the risks, and what is the effort compared with the impact? An impact and effort matrix or a simple vote helps the group decide. Ideas can be combined or reworked along the way. End with one recommendation and a clear next step.
A live poll suits this stage, because it lets every person vote without the loudest voice setting the direction.
When each challenge needs its own fix rather than one winner, a Matching Poll slide lets everyone match the challenges with the fix they think works best, and shows the pairing the group agrees on most.
Common mistakes
- Judging too early. Criticising ideas during a divergent stage shuts people down. Keep the two modes apart.
- Never converging. A long list of ideas is not a decision. Set a time limit for the divergent stage.
- Converging too soon. Taking the first workable idea means you never see the better one.
- Letting one voice dominate. Collect ideas anonymously or at the same time, so seniority does not decide what is heard.
Key takeaways
Divergent thinking gives you options, and convergent thinking turns them into a choice. Alternating between them, and keeping them separate, helps you avoid both the rut and the endless brainstorm. Try the four steps on your next problem, and try AhaSlides free at presenter.ahaslides.com to run the Discover and Deliver stages live with your team.
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of divergent thinking?
Listing as many uses as you can for a paper clip, or brainstorming dozens of names for a new product before you judge any of them.
What is an example of convergent thinking?
Taking a shortlist of five product names and choosing one by checking which are available, easy to say and relevant to the product.
What is the difference between divergent, convergent and lateral thinking?
Divergent thinking generates many options, and convergent thinking selects among them. Lateral thinking, a term coined by Edward de Bono, is a deliberate way of approaching a problem from an unexpected angle, which makes it one technique you can use inside the divergent stage.
Which is better, divergent or convergent thinking?
Neither. Creative problem-solving needs both, in sequence. Divergent thinking without convergent thinking never reaches a decision, and convergent thinking without divergent thinking only polishes the first idea.
