what is convergent thinking in education

Convergent Thinking Explained: Definition and Examples

Discover the essence of convergent thinking, including how it compares to divergent thought and its pivotal role in decision-making and problem-solving.

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Managers often find themselves walking the tightrope of fostering creativity while ensuring continuous productivity.

Amid the broad spectrum of problem-solving approaches, convergent thinking emerges as a focused way of completing tasks. Teams can use it to streamline their decision-making and drive tasks to a fruitful completion.

In this article, we explain what convergent thinking is, some examples of this approach, and when to use convergent vs. divergent thinking in the workplace.

What is convergent thinking?

Convergent thinking focuses on coming up with a single, correct solution to a problem or answer to a question. It involves evaluating various possibilities and applying established rules and logical reasoning to converge on a single correct answer or the best possible solution.

Convergent thinking transforms abstract brainstorming into tangible results, cutting through the  haze of indecision  that often surrounds dynamic team environments.

What does convergent thinking involve?

Let’s look at some of the key elements of convergent thinking to fully understand how it works.

Key characteristics of convergent thinking include the following:

Logical analysis:  Convergent thinking heavily relies on structured reasoning, where each step follows logically from the last. This logical analysis ensures that conclusions are grounded in a solid foundation.

Critical evaluation:  This characteristic involves rigorously scrutinizing ideas or solutions, sifting out flaws and weaknesses to retain only the most viable options.

Systematic approach:  Convergent thinkers organize their thought processes in a methodical manner. They progress through problems in a sequential order, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

Precision and accuracy:  Convergent thinking emphasizes pinpoint accuracy. The goal is to derive solutions that are both exact and free from errors.

Fact-based decision-making:  Rather than relying on intuition or guesswork, convergent thinkers prioritize factual information and empirical evidence when making decisions.

Solution-oriented:  The primary focus of convergent thinking is to find definitive solutions to problems. It’s not about exploring every possible route but identifying the most direct path to a resolution.

Speed and efficiency:  With its clear focus on the end goal, convergent thinking encourages swift decision-making. This ensures that problems are addressed efficiently, without unnecessary detours.

Linear thinking:  Convergent thinkers often process information and derive solutions in a step-by-step manner, ensuring both clarity and consistency.

Convergent thinking vs. divergent thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking represent two distinct approaches to problem-solving and creativity.

While convergent thinking narrows down multiple inputs into a single, optimal solution, divergent thinking involves exploring multiple possible solutions.

‎Let’s take a closer look at these two types of thinking and how they compare.

Convergent thinking:  Aims to find a single, correct solution to problems.

Divergent thinking:  Aims to generate multiple, varied solutions or ideas to problems.

Convergent thinking:  Follows a logical, step-by-step process to arrive at a solution.

Divergent thinking:  Encourages a spontaneous, free-flowing approach to generate ideas.

Goal orientation

Convergent thinking:  Solution-oriented, with a focus on arriving at the most accurate or efficient solution.

Divergent thinking:  Idea-oriented, with a focus on exploring many possible solutions or new perspectives.

Convergent thinking:  Involves critical evaluation and analysis to select the best possible solution.

Divergent thinking:  Suspends judgment to allow for a wide range of ideas to surface.

Convergent thinking:  Less emphasis on creativity and more on logical and analytical thinking.

Divergent thinking:  Encourages creativity, imagination, and original thought.

Structured vs. free-form

Convergent thinking:  More structured and systematic in its approach.

Divergent thinking:  More free-form and less structured in its approach.

Convergent thinking:  Often utilized in the latter stages of problem-solving to finalize a solution.

Divergent thinking:  Usually employed in the early stages of problem-solving to generate ideas.

Convergent thinking:  Leads to a single, well-defined solution.

Divergent thinking:  Leads to a variety of potential solutions or new insights.

Typical uses

Convergent thinking:  Often employed in settings that require precise answers or decisions, such as in mathematics, science, or  business strategy development .

Divergent thinking:  Often used in settings that promote creativity, innovation, and ideation, such as advertising, the artistic field, or the initial phases of project planning.

Imagine brainstorming ways to promote a new product. A team might use divergent thinking to come up with a myriad of ideas, such as online ads, flash mobs, influencer partnerships, or webinars. After listing all of them, the team would use convergent thinking to analyze each option and decide that, based on their target audience and budget, online ads are the most  effective strategy .

The convergent thinking process explained

The process of convergent thinking involves a series of structured steps. Here’s a simplified outline of how this methodical process usually unfolds:

‎1. Identify the problem

This is the stage where you pinpoint and clearly define the issue or challenge you’re facing. Recognizing the problem is the foundation for everything that follows. It ensures that you know exactly what needs to be addressed, avoiding assumptions and misunderstandings.

2. Gather information

Actively seek out relevant data, facts, and insights related to the problem. This could involve researching, consulting experts, or even conducting surveys. Having a well-rounded understanding of the problem equips you to tackle it effectively.

3. Generate possible solutions

Brainstorm and come up with as many potential solutions as you can. It’s all about casting a wide net and considering all possibilities. This creative process ensures that you’re not limiting yourself — and it might even lead to innovative solutions you hadn’t initially considered.

4. Evaluate and compare solutions

Weigh all the potential solutions’ pros and cons. Assessing each idea helps you determine which ones are feasible, which are most effective, and which might present new problems. This is crucial for making an informed decision.

5. Choose the best solution

Select the solution that seems to best address the problem at hand. This doesn’t necessarily mean picking the easiest or quickest one — instead, it might mean the one that will be the most effective in the long run.

6. Implement the solution

With your chosen solution in hand, it’s time to put it into action. This involves planning, gathering resources if needed, and executing your  plan of action . Monitoring and adjusting the solution as necessary is also part of this step, as it helps ensure that the solution is indeed addressing the problem and bringing about the desired results.

Examples of convergent thinking

Let’s look at some examples of when to use convergent thinking in different scenarios.

Troubleshooting technical issues

Imagine you’re an  IT technician , and a user reports that their computer won’t start. Instead of immediately diving in, you begin by asking questions to isolate the problem. You consider if it’s a hardware or software issue based on the symptoms described. If the computer doesn’t power on, perhaps it’s a faulty power supply. If it starts but doesn’t boot to the operating system, maybe it’s a corrupted hard drive.

‎Methodically eliminating the possible causes helps you arrive at the most probable source of the problem. At that point, you can take action to fix it.

Choosing a business strategy

A business may have  several strategies  to choose from, such as expanding its product line, entering a new market, or increasing its online presence. Convergent thinking would involve assessing each strategy’s potential return on investment, the risks involved, any relevant market research data, and the strategy’s alignment with the  company’s long-term vision .

Through careful analysis and comparison of these strategies against the company’s objectives and current market conditions, the business can converge on one primary strategy to pursue.

Budget planning

Financial controllers in organizations use convergent thinking when planning budgets. They start with vast amounts of data, including past expenses, future projections, and revenue forecasts. They must then consolidate this data into a coherent budget that aligns with the company’s goals. Decisions have to be made on where to  allocate resources .

For instance, if marketing brings in the most revenue, it might get a larger chunk of the budget than the other departments. The final budget is a singular plan that has distilled numerous data points and considerations into a focused financial roadmap.

Product quality control

Quality control in manufacturing involves testing products to ensure they meet specific standards. If a batch of products fails a particular test, convergent thinking is used to determine the cause. Was it a raw material issue? A fault in the machinery? An error in the manufacturing process?

Quality control teams can pinpoint the exact issue by systematically testing each hypothesis and narrowing down the potential causes, ultimately ensuring that the products meet the necessary standards.

Decision-making under specific criteria

Imagine a college admissions officer who must select students for a limited number of slots in a prestigious program. For instance, they might have hundreds of applications but can only accept 50 students.

The officer would start with a broad pool of potential candidates and then begin to narrow down the list based on specific criteria, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. With each criterion, the list gets shorter. Convergent thinking is at play here, refining the wide array of options to determine the best group of individuals for the program.

In each of these examples, the process involves sifting through multiple pieces of information or potential solutions and systematically narrowing the focus until the best solution is found or decision is made. This process is the essence of convergent thinking. It’s a methodical, logical approach that, while perhaps not as free-form or creative as divergent thinking, is crucial in situations where a singular, effective solution or decision is required.

Benefits of convergent thinking

The following benefits show why convergent thinking is often the preferred approach in situations that require precise solutions, especially in technical, legal, and financial contexts:

• ‎ Efficiency:  Convergent thinking promotes efficiency, as it directs the focus toward finding the most effective solution in a systematic manner — and often in a shorter amount of time.
• Accuracy:  This thinking style emphasizes accuracy and precision, aiming to provide the correct or best possible answer to a given problem.
• Clarity:  By narrowing down options and focusing on logical analysis, convergent thinking fosters clarity and a clear direction in problem-solving.
• Practicality:  Convergent thinking prioritizes practical solutions by emphasizing logical reasoning. This ensures that the outcome is both functional and feasible.
• Measurability:  The outcomes of convergent thinking are usually measurable and quantifiable, making it easier to evaluate its success or effectiveness.
• Consistency:  A structured approach leads to more consistent decision-making and problem-solving.
• Objective analysis:  Convergent thinking encourages objective analysis based on facts, data, and logic rather than subjective feelings or assumptions.
• Cost-effectiveness:  Convergent thinking can be more cost-effective if resources are directed toward arriving at a singular solution.
• Ease of evaluation:  Given its structured approach, the processes and outcomes of convergent thinking are easier to evaluate and improve upon over time.
• Less ambiguity:  Convergent thinking helps reduce ambiguity by eliminating unlikely or impractical solutions, creating a clearer path toward problem resolution.
• Standardization:  Convergent thinking allows for the standardization of processes, which is beneficial in many professional and organizational settings.
• Better control:  The systematic approach of convergent thinking provides better control over the problem-solving or decision-making process.

Challenges and criticisms of convergent thinking

While valuable in many scenarios, convergent thinking is not without challenges and criticisms.

Lack of creativity

One of the major criticisms of convergent thinking is that it may stifle creativity. Individuals’ or groups’ focus on finding the single correct or best answer means they might miss out on exploring innovative solutions or creative ideas outside the established boundaries or conventions.

Difficult to use with complex or ambiguous problems

Convergent thinking may fall short when dealing with highly complex, ambiguous, or novel problems in which the “correct” solution isn’t clear or well-defined.

Resistance to change

Convergent thinking may foster a resistance to change or a reluctance to explore new methods or ideas, especially in fast-evolving fields where adaptability is crucial.

Too reliant on logic and analysis

Over-reliance on logical analysis might ignore emotional, ethical, or social considerations that could be important for a well-rounded solution.

Potential for confirmation bias

Convergent thinking can lead to confirmation bias, as individuals or groups may only seek or interpret information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs or values — especially when evaluating several possible solutions.

Missed opportunities for learning and growth

Not exploring alternative or unconventional solutions means individuals or groups may miss the opportunities for learning and growth that often come from experimentation and making mistakes.

Possibly less engagement

Convergent thinking can lead to reduced engagement or motivation, especially among those who thrive on creativity, exploration, and discovery.

When to use divergent vs. convergent thinking

Determining when to use convergent or divergent thinking largely depends on the nature of the task or problem at hand, as well as the stage of the problem-solving or creative process you’re in.

Here’s a breakdown of when each of these types of thinking might be more beneficial than the other:

‎Convergent thinking

Use convergent thinking for the following scenarios:

• Well-defined problems

Convergent thinking is often the preferred approach when dealing with problems with a clear or objective solution.

• Final decision-making

When you need to make a decision, especially one based on factual information or specific criteria, convergent thinking can help you analyze your options and select the best one.

• Analytical tasks

Tasks that require data analysis, the evaluation of multiple options against set criteria, or the application of established rules and procedures benefit from a convergent thinking approach.

• Execution stage

When it’s time to implement a solution or execute a plan, convergent thinking helps in focusing efforts and resources efficiently to achieve the desired outcome.

A convergent thinking approach is often required when assessing the success or effectiveness of solutions, actions, or outcomes as they compare to defined metrics or standards.

Divergent thinking

Use divergent thinking for the following scenarios:

• Problem exploration

In the early stages of tackling a problem, especially a complex or novel one, divergent thinking can help you explore different perspectives and generate a variety of possible solutions.

• Creative ideation

When brainstorming innovative ideas, divergent thinking encourages going outside the box and generating a wide range of options.

• Team collaboration

Divergent thinking can help foster a  collaborative environment  in which different viewpoints are valued and explored, promoting a more inclusive problem-solving process.

• Learning and development

Encouraging divergent thinking can facilitate learning and personal or professional growth by promoting openness to new experiences and willingness to explore unknown territories.

• Complex, ambiguous, or novel problems

When facing problems for which the solution isn’t clear or well-defined, divergent thinking can help you navigate the ambiguity and discover new or unexpected solutions.

A combination of divergent and convergent thinking is often most effective in real-world scenarios. Start with a divergent thinking phase to explore and generate ideas, and follow it up with a convergent thinking phase to select the best possible solution.

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Convergent and Divergent Questions for Teachers: Examples, Explanations, Pros and Cons

What are convergent and divergent questions.

Convergent and Divergent questions were first proposed by JP Guilford in the 1950s.

Divergent questions generate divergent thinking and encourage students to think more broadly about a specific topic, drawing on different scenarios, disciplines and ideas.

READ THIS NEXT...

Convergent questions, what are convergent questions.

Convergent questions require students to bring together ideas and knowledge from two or more fields and synthesise them to generate a logical conclusion. 

Students are required to find a single, optimal solution to the problem. 

Video: CONVERGENT QUESTIONS

Both of these examples require convergent thinking as the student is required to assess different information and come to an optimal, single conclusion.

The level of challenge provided by convergent questions is demonstrated by the two examples above.

Examples of CONVERGENT QUESTIONS For Teachers

Pros and cons of using convergent questions in lessons.

When Should CONVERGENT QUESTIONS Be Used In Lessons?

Commonly, convergent questions are used at the start of a lesson to assess student understanding of the topic to be taught in that lesson or to check what the students are able to remember from the previous lesson.

Typically, convergent questions are used when the teacher wants to check a student’s understanding on of a topic.

There is less need and opportunity for discussion to follow in this instance but it can be worth asking the student to explain their answer to check their reasons for selecting that specific response can be justified.

Convergent Thinking In The Workplace

Convergent thinking is more commonly used when a decision needs to be made, with little time to discuss, debate and explore multiple solutions .  

DIVERGENT QUESTIONS

What are divergent questions.

Divergent questions begin with a prompt and require students to think creatively and critically to identify multiple potential answers.

Divergent questions generate divergent thinking which will require students to evaluate, analyse and synthesis information .

Video: DIVERGENT QUESTIONS

A mix of creative thinking and being critical in thought are necessary skills when answering divergent questions.

Examples of DIVERGENT QUESTIONS For Teachers

Pros and cons of using divergent questions in lessons.

When Should DIVERGENT QUESTIONS Be Used In Lessons?

Teachers can use divergent questions at any point in a lesson.

Divergent questions can be used at the start of a lesson to provide students with an opportunity to express their views and thoughts on the topic being taught. 

Divergent questions are also commonly used at the end of the lesson as part of a plenary activity to explore some of the key themes discussed in the lesson. 

For example, if the student is learning about what makes a good leader , there is no single correct answer that the student can provide.

Divergent Thinking In The Workplace

Typically, when a decision needs to be made to resolve a solution but there is limited information available, there is no immediate timescale and where there are multiple potential solutions which could produce similar levels of success.

How Can Teachers Use CONVERGENT and DIVERGENT Questions in Combination?

Although this article has explored convergent and divergent questions for teachers in isolation, these two types of questions will typically be used in combination in lessons.

The teacher may then follow this up with a divergent question:

“What would the world be like if Darwin had never proposed the theory of evolution?”

“Considering all of the potential scenarios you have generated, review each and consider: Which is most likely to occur.”

Are Convergent and Divergent Questions The Same as Open and Closed Questions

But, to categorise them in this simplistic way fails to capture the true essence of these question types.

It is this synthesis of information to produce an answer that is of importance here, not whether the question is closed or open. 

Again, it is these higher order thinking skills which are of most importance, not whether the question is open and closed. 

My Top 5 Questioning Techniques for Teachers: Generate More Discussion and Debate

Author: Jonathan Sandling

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How to Teach Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Definitions, Examples, Templates and More

Written by Marcus Guido

• Teaching Strategies

• The definitions of convergent and divergent thinking
• Examples of questions
• Tips for creating your own questions
• Prompting students to use each style of thinking

Not all problems require the same approach.

For many students, knowing how to tackle certain problems starts by recognizing when to apply convergent and divergent thinking.

To help you effectively teach and reinforce these strategies, read through it, and then reference it as you integrate both thinking methods into your lessons.

Convergent and divergent thinking are opposites, but both have places in your daily lessons.

American psychologist JP Guilford coined the terms in the 1950s, which take their names from the problem solving processes they describe.

Convergent thinking involves starting with pieces of information, converging around a solution.

As you can infer, it emphasizes finding the single, optimal solution to a given problem and usually demands thinking at the first or second Depth of Knowledge (DoK) level.

Determining the correct answer to a multiple choice question is an example.

The nature of the question does not demand creativity, but inherently encourages the student to consider the veracity of each provided answer before selecting the single correct one. Typically, he or she must apply a limited range of skills and knowledge to reach this answer quickly.

This mirrors many out-of-school scenarios, wherein someone must use all the information available to him or her to make a decision.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, starts with a prompt that encourages students to think critically, diverging towards distinct answers.

As you can see, the prompts -- in the form of guiding questions -- are open-ended and typically require thinking at the third, or even fourth, Depth of Knowledge level.

Writing an essay and brainstorming are examples of exercises that demand divergent thinking.

Creativity plays an important role , as students should usually reach an answer they did not anticipate upon processing the prompt. This is because the prompt should encourage them to analyze content and generate their own ideas to arrive at a range of plausible solutions.

This mirrors real-life situations in which students face a broad problem without much information.

Now that you understand convergent and divergent thinking, you’re probably curious about the kinds of questions that incite each strategy.

Examples of convergent vs. divergent questions

Like most teaching tasks, writing convergent and divergent questions is easier said than done.

Use these examples as templates, and to guide your creation of content-appropriate convergent and divergent questions:

Although it’s likely these convergent and divergent question examples aren’t completely applicable to you, they should -- at the very least -- give you a clear idea about how to structure your own questions.

How to write original convergent and divergent questions

Using the above examples as inspiration, keep these tips in mind to create your own convergent and divergent questions:

• Focus on the beginning --  Before you get into the nitty gritty of crafting a question, you should understand that the first few words are the most important. That’s because they’ll largely deem what kind of responses you’ll receive. Convergent questions typically start with “who,” “what,” “where” or “when.” Divergent questions usually begin with “how could,” “what might” or “suppose.”
• Search far and wide for the answers --  Validating a question starts by finding answers. You shouldn’t have a tough time answering convergent questions. Flipping through a textbook, lesson notes or an online resource should yield a clear answer. On the other hand, you shouldn’t find a definitive answer to a divergent question through such research methods. You’re encouraging students to deliver original responses born from  critical thinking , after all.
• Make convergent questions before divergent ones --  If you struggle to brainstorm divergent questions, start with convergent questions. Often, the process of writing three to four convergent questions will allow you to combine them into a divergent one. Consider the notion that divergent queries begin with phrases such as “suppose.” Answering a “suppose” question comes from understanding “what,” “who” and the answers to other convergent questions.

With examples in your toolbox -- and tips about how to create your own questions -- you need to consider the appropriate times to ask them.

When, and how, to give opportunities for convergent and divergent thinking

During lessons, before study times and at the conclusions of entire units, opportunities to spur and assess convergent and divergent thinking will present themselves.

Here are four opportunities to encourage convergent thinking, and how to do so:

1. You’re in the middle of a math lesson, and arrive at a  word problem . Don’t immediately start the problem-solving process. Instead, walk through the wording with students before giving them five minutes of independent work. Using their notes and textbooks for reference, they can determine the functions needed to solve the problem.

2. The content you’re delivering in history, social studies or language arts class is broad enough that you anticipate students will struggle to process it. As a quick  differentiated instruction exercise , provide a physical timeline and list of events to small groups of students. Ask them to pin the events to the timeline, aiding contextualization.

3. You’re giving a lecture-style lesson, and want to avoid providing a solution without giving students a chance to answer the question. But they’re struggling to respond. To enable convergent thinking, present potential answers in a multiple-choice style fashion. “Who wrote [text]? Was it [author], [author] or [author]?”

4. It’s the end of a unit. To review content in preparation for an assessment, ask students to summarize aspects of the unit. For example, “List  x  ways to apply  y  skill.” Or, “In what ways did [person] accomplish [goal].” If you provide a high number of such tasks, you can run a  jigsaw activity , allowing students to work together to review key material.

Here are four opportunities to encourage divergent thinking, and how to do so:

1. You’re reading a play or novel as a class, and the protagonist faces a major problem. Before learning how he overcomes it, ask the class to think of as many solutions as possible. You can run this as a think-pair-share activity. Specifically, students can individually  think  of solutions,  pair  with one another to exchange ideas  and then  share  these ideas with the class.

2. Running through new math problems as a class, you present a broad word problem that’s rooted in skills students already have. Instead of immediately solving the question, give them 15 minutes to find as many methods of solving it as possible. After, hold a class discussion to share responses.

3. Your class has made it to the end of a history or social studies unit. They have a fresh, firm grasp on the unit’s content, meaning it’s an ideal time to pose a query that demands divergent thinking. Ask them what they believe would have happened if a given figure had done  y  instead of  x . Individually, or as a small group, students should write a short paper on potential outcomes and impacts.

4. Students are a week or two away from starting a written assessment. Why not prepare them with a  formative assessment ? Simply give them a mock essay question that deals with similar subject matter, helping them study as they investigate different responses.

Although you can use them separately, convergent and divergent thinking aren’t mutually exclusive.

This is because divergent thinking can lead in to convergent thinking.

Consider asking a question such as, “Suppose Bilbo Baggins didn’t pick up the Ring when he first had the chance. How might his encounter with Gollum have been different? What are some potential outcomes?” Students who have a firm grasp of The Hobbit would likely generate many ideas from this divergent question.

This opens the door to asking a convergent question as a follow-up. For example, “Based on the different outcomes you envisioned, which one is the most probable? Why?”

Linking the two thinking styles in this manner can prepare students to write essays and tackle open-ended projects , as well as out-of-school dilemmas in which they must choose the single-best course of action.

Final thoughts

Developing strong commands of convergent and divergent thinking should empower students to tackle challenging problems, in and out of the classroom.

What’s more, being able to use the thinking styles -- independently and together -- is critical in many projects, group activities and forms of assessment.

This is why it’s crucial to provide opportunities to apply convergent and divergent thinking, while offering scaffolding and supplementary instruction.

Reading and referencing this guide is only a first step, albeit an important one.

Create or log in to your free teacher account on Prodigy — a fun, easy-to-use math platform that delivers content in an engaging game-based learning environment. Aligned with curricula across the English-speaking world, it’s used by more than 2.5 million teachers and 100 million students .

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15 Convergent Thinking Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Convergent thinking refers to problem-solving that results in the single best solution, based on a logical and methodical analysis of the situation.

It is sometimes referred to as linear thinking or vertical thinking.

Examples of convergent thinking include coming up with the correct answer to a physics question, determining the cause of a device malfunction, or choosing a college to go to.

Convergent Thinking Definition

A simple scholarly definition is:

“…focused, logical reasoning about ideas and experiences that lead to specific answers.” (Siefert, 2012, p. 181)

The term was coined by Guilford (1956), along with the concept of divergent thinking , the creative half of the two.

Although most scholars and educators are keen to praise the value of divergent thinking over convergent thinking, Cropley (2006) offers a more balanced perspective:

“In practical situations, divergent thinking without convergent thinking can cause a variety of problems including reckless change” (p. 391). 

Convergent Thinking Examples

• Solving a simple mathematical equation: In math, there is usually only one clear answer. This can be great for people who like simplicity and clarity; but be warned, if you’re planning to go into a math-based career like engineering, you’ll also need to be a great divergent thinker.
• Finding the shortest route between two points on a map: For this solution, you might get together a lot of variables such as traffic conditions and weather conditions, but at the end of the day, you should be able to come up with one recommendation for how to get from A to B the fastest.
• Diagnosing a medical condition based on symptoms: Doctors need great convergent thinking skills because they have to find the one true and objective cause of a person’s ailment.
• Identifying the cause of a device’s technical malfunction: If a device malfunctions, there’s a reason why. It’s the technician’s job to find out. They have to gather together the evidence and use it to find out what that cause is.
• Deciding on the most cost-effective solution for a problem: If it’s your job to save money for your business, you’ll need to come up with a clear solution to present to your boss. To do this, make sure you gather together all the data you can, then decide on the single best course of action.
• Selecting the best candidate for a job: When doing this, you’ll want to think up each candidate’s qualifications and experience, weigh up the pros and cons of each candidate, then make one clear decision. 
• Determining the winner of a competition: Ideally, a competition will have clear rules that will help you come up with a winner. But at the end of the day, there can only be one winner, so you’ll need to compare the contestants and identify that one winner.
• Predicting the outcome of an experiment: When formulating a hypothesis, you’re using convergent thinking. There are multiple possible outcomes, but you’ve got to decide which single outcome is the most likely .
• Choosing which stocks to invest in: Professional hedge fund managers have to make confident decisions based on market analysis and a lot of uncertain predictions. But at the end of the day, they have to come to a singular decision about how to allocate the funds.
• Diagnosing a car problem based on engine sounds: Mechanics are masters of convergent thinking. They’ve got to use signals like engine sounds, insights from the driver, and smells, to decide what to do about the car. Often, they also need to rely on personal experience to maximize their chances of making that one decision that’s most important.
• Selecting the best insurance policy for your car: based on coverage and cost
• Finding the best camera to buy: based on price, quality, and brand reputation
• Choosing a college to go to:
• Deciding on where to go on vacation:
• Identifying the culprit of a crime:

Divergent vs Convergent Thinking

Divergent thinking and convergent thinking are opposites. They represent two different types of thinking that are each valuable in different situations.

• Divergent thinking is all about finding new ideas. The term ‘divergent’ comes from ‘diverge’, meaning to separate from the norm. It involves brainstorming, thinking outside of the norm, and thinking creatively to find solutions to problems. It also often involves finding new ways to tackle existing problems and use existing tools.
• Convergent thinking is about gathering facts to come up with an answer or solution. It’s seen as the opposite of divergent thinking because you’re gathering information together to come up with one single solution rather than searching around and comparing multiple different solutions.

While convergent thinking is primarily analytical, divergent thinking is primarily creative.

Convergent Thinking Case Studies

1. convergent questions in research.

Research is the process of investigating a specific phenomenon to accumulate factual knowledge. This can include understanding the object’s properties and identifying factors related to its development. These are very descriptive in nature. The goal is to learn as much about the object of study as possible.

For example, when first discovering a new plant or animal species, there is a great deal of observational research conducted with the goal of painting as detailed picture as possible.

Questions are posed such as what, when, where, and how. Case in point: if discovering a new type of tortoise , the scientist wants to know what are the specific features of the animal; what does it eat; when does sleep and mate; how does it gather food and survive.

Those might seem like mundane matters, but they constitute the first step in all scientific endeavors.

After sufficient knowledge has been collected, then the scientist can move forward to ask more divergent questions, such as what happens if factor A occurs, or if it does not occur.

This is the progression of scientific research.

2. The Double Diamond

Building on Guilford’s ideas of convergent and divergent thinking, Alex Osborn applied the concepts to the design process into his Creative Problem Solving (CPS) framework. This framework depicts the design process as a diamond shape that represent convergent and divergent thinking.

One half of the diamond is all about collecting facts and gathering information, the other half is all about generating ideas and brainstorming .

Later versions of CPS extended the framework to 6 linear triangles that involved alternating between the two types of thinking which ultimately produce a great design.

Today, the most popular version of this model of design is the Double Diamond created by the UK Design Council .

3. The Smartphone

The smartphone is an example of convergent thinking? Seriously? Nearly everyone on the planet would say the exact opposite; that it is the prototypical example of divergent thinking.

While the smartphone certainly is an example of creativity and thinking about the phone in a novel way (who would have ever thought to put a camera on a phone?), it could have never materialized without convergent thinking.

The smartphone is a result of decades of science-based knowledge. Knowledge that was slow, methodical, and systematic.

It all began with scientists understanding the principles of electricity, then the development of early communication transmission systems such as the telegraph.

About 80 years later, and a long list of scientific developments, we have the first smartphone.

Today, smartphones rely on hundreds of technological advancements.

Most of that technology was built on decades of convergent thinking processes, occasionally combined in unique configurations.

The history of the smartphone is also a history of convergent thinking.

4. The Assembly Line

Although the invention of the assembly line certainly was a novel approach to manufacturing, its progression over time has been a steady flow of convergent thinking processes. When building a new step in the manufacturing process, the goal is to find the single best, most efficient way to perform that particular task.

As technological advancements are made and design evolves over a period of decades, the entire process becomes increasingly efficient.

Even when it appears that divergent thinking has occurred, for example, with the integration of robotics, convergent thinking was heavily involved.

Robotics is a step that would have never developed without a long progression of methodical advancements. The movements that those robotic arms engage are a result of programmers writing hundreds of lines of code.

Each set of code was tested, errors identified, and then refined. It is a painstakingly slow process. But, over time, that systematic approach will lead to success. It just takes a while.

5. Convergent Thinking, Implicit Learning, And Intuition

Implicit learning takes place without intention. The individual is not even aware that they are in fact learning something. Later, when encountering a novel problem-solving situation, they will utilize that implicit knowledge, in combination with other acquired knowledge, to generate a solution.

The moment the solution is generated, it may feel like intuition . The solution seems almost instinctual. Some might even call it an “a-ha” moment.

In reality however, the accumulated knowledge, implicit and otherwise, go through a cognitive incubation process in which the individual is completely unaware.

It only surfaces when making a concerted effort to solve a problem:

“…until-apparently out of the blue-an answer pops up. This is the classical definition of intuition: Aa process of fermentation until an idea is suddenly there, even seeming to come from nowhere… intuition may well derive from convergent thinking at least as much as from divergent thinking” (p. 394).

Convergent thinking is an approach to solving problems that tries to find one specific answer. That answer is the result of a very logical analysis of the available facts.

When problems are very complex, such as writing a computer program to control a robotic arm, the answer is derived from a very deliberative and methodical process.

Each solution is tested, refined, and tested again. Repeat as necessary.

The surprising thing about convergent thinking, is that divergent thinking cannot occur without it. Every innovation to have ever materialized could not have happened without the preceding progression of convergent thinking.

Cropley, A. (2006). In Praise of Convergent Thinking. Creativity Research Journal, 18 (3), 391-404. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326934crj1803_13

Guilford, J. P. (1956). The structure of intellect. Psychological Bulletin , 53 (4), 267. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0040755

Osborn, A. F. (1953). Applied imagination: Principles and procedures of

creative problem-solving . New York: Scribners.

Sadler‐Smith, E. (2015). Wallas’ Four-Stage Model of the creative process: More than meets the eye? Creativity Research Journal, 27 , 342 – 352.Wallas, G. (1926). The art of thought . New York: Harcourt Brace.

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Convergent Thinking: The Key to Problem-Solving

Imagine sitting in class and shading in a circle on a multiple-choice test. You would not think that simple action has a lot to do with creativity. However (when combined with divergent thinking) the focus of today’s topic is an integral component of problem-solving. The process that goes into answering standard questions opens up a world of possibilities known as convergent thinking.

What is Convergent Thinking?

While studying human creativity, psychologist Joy Paul Guilford first created the term as the opposite of divergent thinking.

When presented with a problem, it allows someone to arrive at a solution by analyzing the information available to them and later applying established rules and reasoning. It relies heavily on logic. Its purpose is to decrease the chance of ambiguity—seeking to bridge the gap between multiple interpretations.

Ideally, it leads to one correct answer or method to solve a problem. Examples are IQ tests , standardized tests, math quizzes, and spelling tests.

Convergent VS. Divergent Thinking

Being linear and systematic, convergent thinking is straightforward. It filters ideas into a single solution.

The process focuses on the questions, “why?” and “what’s best?”

Contrarily, divergent thinking is web-like – creating connections between ideas. Divergent thinking generates multiple ideas that are original, open to more than one solution, and unconcerned with the risks or limitations.

While different in concept, convergent and divergent thinking go hand-in-hand. Typically, we use divergent thinking to generate multiple ideas followed by convergent thinking to analyze and narrow down those ideas.  

Convergent Thinking and Brain Activity

Brain activity in convergent thinkers is unique.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) can measure such activity. Electrodes on the scalp measure a person’s brain waves. It causes a distinct increase in Theta bands, which is a type of brain wave linked to learning , memory, and intuition.

Studies of patients with hippocampal damage suggest that the ability to apply convergent thinking is associated with the hippocampus , the part of the brain responsible for memory (Warren et al., 2016).

Neurotransmitter systems are also involved in carrying out signals to the brain. Convergent thinking function is greater when lower levels of dopamine (the chemical for arousal, thinking, and planning) are present in the nervous system .

Convergent Thinking and Personality

Thinking processes affect personality. This is known as the Big Five method (or the 5 basic dimensions) …

• Openness – Curious, imaginative, sensitive to inner feelings
• Conscientiousness – Efficient, organized, and diligently hardworking
• Extraversion – Enjoys interacting with the world, talkative, energetic
• Agreeableness – Considerate and kind to others, optimistic about human nature
• Neuroticism – Sensitive and nervous, likely to be moody, anxious, or depressed, easily angered

After assessing brain activity studies , researchers conclude that divergent thinking (with its emphasis on creativity) is specifically linked to the traits of openness and extraversion. However, core personality traits didn’t have an effect. That being said, cognition does affect mood. Convergent thinkers tend to display more negative moods than their divergent thinking counterparts.

Executive Function Skills For Convergent Thinking

Executive functions are cognitive skills that assist in goal formation and achievement. There are three main areas: working memory , cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Like this type of thinking, we practice executive function skills in daily life. These skills have a predominant role in creativity.

Executive function skills include but are not limited to:

Attention and Initiation

“Attention” is an executive function that helps us stay focused on the task at hand. It’s especially important for it because narrowing down one best solution requires focus . Additionally, attention helps sustain initiation—the executive function responsible for beginning a task and finishing it to completion.

Inhibition is an executive function that utilizes attention and reasoning to control impulsive, automatic responses.

To put it simply, inhibition is part of self-control . A lack of inhibition prevents the ability to discard partial or incorrect solutions. When a person does not have inhibition, it also impacts their attention. They cannot remain focused enough to stay on task. Thus, poor inhibitory control is a disadvantage for convergent thinking.

Although divergent thinking is unconcerned with limitations, the ‘best’ solution determined by convergent thinking tasks cannot be deterred by extensive limitations.

Shifting is the executive function that allows us to adjust to these situations as they change or as limitations arise. In it, focus must shift to narrow down the ideas that were generated during divergent thinking.

Regulating Emotions

Depending on the task, the thinking process can be stressful. Studies conclude that both convergent and divergent thinking tasks induce mood swings (Chermahini et al., 2011). Regulating emotions is the ability to deal with feelings , which is essential in times of stress.

With its focus on filtering ideas, convergent thinking demands the managing of emotions. One has to acknowledge what they are feeling and address those feelings to overcome barriers to the most suitable solution.

Convergent thinking is structured. The executive function, organizing, provides that much-needed structure. Organizing entails planning and prioritizing – each of which is relevant to convergent thinking. It is the point in the thinking process when ideas come to life. One has to identify key priorities to achieve their goals.  

IQ Tests and Convergent Thinking

Intelligence is a major component of cognition and thinking. IQ, which stands for intelligence quotient, measures convergent thinking. Questions on standard IQ tests are a prime example of this type of thinking. They measure logic, reasoning, basic knowledge, and thought flow. Intelligence does not depend on creativity, but they do have a relationship.

Indicative of intelligence, higher IQ scores provide a starting point to carry out. Problem-solving increases in difficulty if intelligence is low. However, intelligence does not guarantee creativity. Arriving at a correct textbook answer to a problem does not guarantee the capacity to generate original ideas before delving into the convergent thinking process.

How To Explore Creativity with Convergent Thinking

Most might think that divergent thinking and creativity are closely linked, but that is incorrect. According to the Geneplore model, creativity is a cycle consisting of the generation stage and the exploration stage. Divergent thinking is the generation of ideas and convergent thinking explores ideas to put them in motion.

These general guidelines are beneficial to enhancing creativity with convergent thinking:

Be Original

Do not dismiss novelty ideas. While divergent thinking is the stage in which original ideas are generated, convergent thinking involves actually working with ideas. Creative ideas may initially seem impossible due to limitations but just think deeper. They may be able to be revised or modified. Step out of the ‘norm’ to courageously approach new ideas others do not understand.

Ask Questions

Questions beginning with “what,” who,” “when,” or “where” are typically convergent thinking questions. Convergent questions are less complex, easy to formulate, and strategic in nature. Asking questions creates goals to strive towards. The questions structure the thinking process. They also determine which information should be discarded.

Practice Objectivity

Convergent thinking is an objective experience. After establishing clear goals, those goals become the basis for the thought process. Objectiveness is focal for the organization and planning. Guide all questions around the objectives. This makes sure that we can find a solution without distraction.

Although we all appreciate situations of instant gratification, arriving at the single best solution to a problem is not instantaneous. Be deliberate when practicing convergent thinking. Hasty decisions prematurely eliminate ideas that could have potentially been successful. If overwhelmed, take a break from the process and return later with a fresh perspective.   

Convergent Thinking In Education

As mentioned before, convergent thinking is part of our daily lives. One place we often see it is in educational settings. In an educational setting, convergent thinking needs to come from different sources. Teachers are wise to deliver rigid, well-defined information for convergent thinking —not unfocused, open-ended ideas subjected to change. Students can then combine the materials and concepts to get to the right answer.

Examples of convergent thinking in school are study materials like flashcards, rote memorization, and drill learning. Class discussions between students and the teacher also contribute to convergent learning, as it is an opportunity to filter out incorrect ideas.

Techniques of convergent thinking in the classroom are:

Problem-solving processes originate with many ideas generated during divergent thinking. In contrast, those ideas must be organized into groups for convergent thinking. Some of the ideas are likely to be similar. By combining like-ideas, grouping makes the data easier to find the most accurate solution to the problem. Then, we can merge ideas into a single comprehensive solution.

Students benefit from outlining because it offers structure. Too many facts and information can leave people disorganized. Outlining helps things say in our minds . Outlining techniques make sure that we can get gathered research easier from our working memory . This is similar to grouping, except with more structure. Examples of outlining include s tep-by-step lists, web maps, or reframing questions with multiple choice answers.

Both outlining and grouping are vital to the technique known as filtering. Outlining and grouping present the information in an organized manner to filter or weed out ideas that offer no solution to the problem at hand. Students cannot ‘choose the best answer’ on their exam without methodically eliminating the incorrect answers first.

As with anything, practice makes perfect. Convergent thinking does not come effortlessly. It requires repetition to refine the process.

Akbari Chermahini, S., & Hommel, B. (2012). Creative mood swings: divergent and convergent thinking affect mood in opposite ways. Psychological research, 76(5), 634–640. doi:10.1007/s00426-011-0358-z

Warren, D. E., Kurczek, J., and Duff, M. C. 2016. What relates newspaper, definite, and clothing? An article describing deficits in convergent problem solving and creativity following hippocampal damage. Hippocampus 26(7):835–40. doi:10.1002/hipo.22591

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A Guide to Divergent and Convergent Thinking in the Classroom

Understanding and Implementing Divergent and Convergent Thinking in the Classroom

In the world of education, understanding and effectively utilizing different thinking styles is paramount in fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Two such cognitive approaches, divergent and convergent thinking, offer unique pathways to problem-solving and creativity. Let’s explore each thinking style and delve into strategies for integrating them into the classroom setting.

What is Divergent Thinking?

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process where students are encouraged to explore many possible solutions to a single problem. It’s a free-wheeling style of thinking that enables the generation of fresh ideas and perspectives. For instance, when faced with a question like “How many uses can you think of for a paperclip?”, students employing divergent thinking will come up with a wide array of answers, exploring the bounds of possibility and creativity.

Implementing Divergent Thinking in the Classroom:

Foster a Judgment-Free Zone:

• Allow students to brainstorm ideas freely and openly. Make the classroom a safe space for sharing all thoughts, fostering a rich environment for exploration and innovation.

Use Open-Ended Questions:

• Frame questions in a way that encourages varied and numerous responses. This approach sparks creativity and allows students to think outside of the conventional bounds.

Encourage Creative Assignments:

• Assign projects and tasks that allow students to express themselves uniquely. The focus should be on generating diverse and innovative ideas.

What is Convergent Thinking?

Convergent thinking is the process of finding a single, optimal solution to a well-defined problem. This thinking style emphasizes analysis, logic, and systematic processing. It’s used to address questions with a single correct answer, like mathematical problems or specific factual queries.

Implementing Convergent Thinking in the Classroom:

Teach Structured Problem-Solving Strategies:

• Provide students with a framework or method for tackling problems. Guide them in the process of analyzing issues and finding the most effective solutions.

Promote Analytical Assignments:

• Design assignments that require analytical thinking, such as experiments, math problems, or literary analysis.

Prioritize Evaluation and Analysis:

• Encourage students to assess different solutions and perspectives critically. This strategy hones their analytical skills and helps them understand the criteria for effective problem-solving.

Merging the Two for Holistic Learning:

For a well-rounded educational experience, merging both divergent and convergent thinking in classroom activities is essential.

Sequential Thinking Tasks:

• Initiate with tasks that require divergent thinking, followed by activities that necessitate convergent thinking. This sequential approach provides students with a holistic problem-solving experience.

Collaborative Projects:

• Engage students in group work where they can experience both types of thinking. Collaboration fosters a diverse range of ideas and structured problem-solving strategies.

Real-World Problem-Solving:

• Present students with real-world problems that require both creative brainstorming and systematic problem-solving.

Understanding and effectively implementing both divergent and convergent thinking in the classroom will not only enhance the educational experience but also equip students with the vital problem-solving skills needed in real-world scenarios. Both thinking styles are invaluable, and their integration provides a balanced and thorough approach to learning and development.

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What is convergent thinking in behavioral science, what is convergent thinking.

Convergent thinking is a cognitive process whereby an individual focuses on finding a single, well-defined answer to a problem. This type of thinking emphasizes speed, accuracy, and logic and relies on recognizing familiar patterns, applying established rules, and drawing on factual knowledge to arrive at a solution.

Why is it Important?

Convergent thinking is significant for several reasons:

• It is crucial for problem-solving in situations where a correct answer exists and needs to be discovered.
• It plays a vital role in decision-making processes in daily life and professional settings.
• In educational contexts, convergent thinking is often used to assess students’ knowledge and understanding through standardized testing.
• It is an important mental process in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, where precise and accurate solutions are required.

How does it Work?

Convergent thinking works by focusing the individual’s thought process through the following steps:

Analyzing the Problem:

• Breaking the problem down into its constituent parts.

Applying Known Information:

• Using existing knowledge and rules to approach the problem.

Eliminating Incorrect Options:

• Systematically discarding solutions that do not meet the criteria.

Converging on a Solution:

• Narrowing down the possibilities until a single answer remains.

What are its Properties?

Attributes of convergent thinking include:

• Linear and logical thought processes.
• Emphasis on speed and efficiency.
• Objective evaluation based on factual data.
• Reduction in the scope of possible solutions.

How is it Measured?

Convergent thinking is typically measured through various types of psychometric tests and assessments, including:

• Standardized tests that gauge problem-solving skills through multiple-choice questions or specific puzzles.
• Intelligence quotient (IQ) tests that traditionally focus on tasks relating to convergent thinking.
• Creativity tests, which measure the convergent aspect by asking subjects to produce a single correct answer to a given problem.

Performance on these tests is often quantified in terms of accuracy and the time taken to come up with the correct solution.

What are its Relationships to Other Concepts?

• Divergent Thinking: Considered the conceptual counterpart to convergent thinking, divergent thinking is the process of generating multiple unique solutions to a problem, often used in creative thinking.
• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking involves evaluating information and arguments, in which convergent thinking may play a role during the decision-making phase.
• Decision Making: Convergent thinking aids in narrowing down options during the decision-making process to arrive at the most effective solution.
• Problem Solving: As a core component of problem-solving, convergent thinking is essential for resolving issues that have a clear end point or answer.

What are its Limitations?

Despite its utility, convergent thinking has limitations, including:

• Limited creativity and innovation as it does not typically involve generating new ideas.
• Potential for functional fixedness, a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used.
• Convergent thinking may not be effective for problems that do not have a single correct answer or require out-of-the-box thinking.

How is it Used?

Applications of convergent thinking span various domains:

• Convergent thinking is often harnessed through multiple-choice tests or exams that require students to select the single best answer.
• In business operations and management, convergent thinking helps in making data-driven decisions.

Science and Technology:

• Used frequently in diagnoses and troubleshooting where problems have a defined set of possible causes.

What is its History?

The concept of convergent thinking was first introduced by psychologist J.P. Guilford in 1956. Guilford distinguished between convergent and divergent thinking when studying human intelligence and creativity. Long associated with the traditional view of intelligence, convergent thinking has been a central focus in psychology and education for decades.

What are its Future Possibilities?

While convergent thinking remains an essential skill, the need for complex problem-solving in modern society has brought increased attention to its integration with divergent thinking. There is a growing emphasis on fostering both types of thinking in educational and professional settings to nurture creativity and innovation while maintaining efficiency and accuracy. The future is likely to see a more holistic approach that blends convergent with divergent thinking, catering to a wider array of problems and furthering human cognitive capabilities.

Related Behavioral Science Terms

Belief perseverance, crystallized intelligence, extraneous variable, representative sample, factor analysis, egocentrism, stimulus generalization, reciprocal determinism, divergent thinking, convergent thinking, social environment, decision making, related articles.

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What’s convergent thinking? How to be a better problem-solver

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What’s convergent thinking?

Pros and cons of convergent thinking, convergent versus divergent thinking, convergent thinking examples, embrace efficiency.

Innovation is valuable in every workplace. 

Thinking outside the box lets you discover new ideas and take projects to new heights. But while creativity and continuous learning lead to positive change, there’s value in knowing when to implement familiar processes. 

Every time you successfully apply a time-tested solution to a task or challenge, you strengthen your ability to act swiftly and with confidence . You fill your professional toolbelt with know-how and experience that streamline your decision-making . And sometimes, taking the most logical route is the best way to go.

This is your convergent thinking at work — a procedural style of thinking that optimizes your efficiency, freeing up time and mental space for tasks on your to-do list that demand more open-ended problem-solving . 

In 1955, psychologist Joy Paul Guilford developed the concepts of convergent and divergent thinking . His Structure of Intellect Model sought to better understand creativity and cognitive processes, particularly in the context of education.

He hypothesized that while educational institutions encourage conventional answers through step-by-step reasoning (convergent thinking), most daily decisions come from creative problem-solving (divergent thinking), making the latter more desirable.

In his 2006 article “In Praise of Convergent Thinking,” creativity researcher Arthur Cropley defined the term as a problem-solving strategy focused on finding the single best solution to a clear problem . It’s a type of thinking that relies on your know-how, previous experiences, and available information. This cut-and-dry method helps you arrive at logical conclusions faster and more accurately. 

Although it might lack creativity, convergent thinking is best for scenarios in which a single answer exists, like a multiple-choice test or a budgeting equation . Your knowledge and experience work together — or converge — to find solutions. Applying technical skills and specialized explicit knowledge with this method leads to more confident decisions. 

Cropley describes divergent thinking as the other side of the problem-solving spectrum. It encourages a more creative and open-ended exploration of possibilities. This thinking style seeks out innovative solutions to the established problem, often with more than one option. 

Here’s an example of each thinking style at work for a marketing team looking to increase social media engagement rates: 

• Convergent thinkers would analyze previous data to replicate past engagement. They might look at available metrics, identify posts with the highest numbers, and copy those types of posts.
• Divergent thinkers might conduct focus groups and collect data about the target consumer. Through that research, several options may arise, like collaborating with influencers or developing a new tone for marketing copy. The goal is to think outside the box and find new ideas.

Both thinking styles share a common goal: to find the best solution. Understanding the pros and cons of each direction is the best way to ensure that you apply the best problem-solving process to different daily challenges. 

Pursuing a single solution drives convergent reasoning, a process that often relies on technical knowledge. While this approach is valuable in specific scenarios, recognizing its limitations gives you the chance to balance different types of thinking for optimal outcomes. Here are the pros and cons of this type of thinking: 

Pros of convergent logic 

You might associate convergent thinking with mechanical or technical fields like engineering. But you can use knowledge-based decision-making in any industry or job role. Here are some benefits of convergent thinking: 

• Supports efficiency: You don’t have to start from scratch every time a challenge arises. Rather than developing a creative or innovative new solution, convergent thinking lets you concentrate on logical next steps. Whether the scenario is time-sensitive or not, acting swiftly and with less hesitation gives you time for other tasks in your workflow. 
• Focuses on precision: Small mistakes can snowball into significant repercussions, like fixing a coding bug that ends up crashing a website. Convergent thinking breaks problem-solving into an unambiguous, structured process. By leveraging the methodologies you already know, you eliminate guesswork and minimize your margin of error. 
• Encourages knowledge development: Practice makes perfect. Whether you’re a project manager, pediatrician, or sales representative, you need specialized skills to work efficiently. Repeatedly calling on that background builds valuable explicit and tacit knowledge , refining your expertise and bolstering competitiveness. 
• Opens the door for communication and collaboration: Hitting team objectives starts with clear guidelines and communication . In scenarios with a definitive problem and objective, using convergent thinking to share expertise aligns everyone involved. Mutual understanding and knowledge-sharing can help foster more cohesive approaches, minimizing miscommunications and maximizing efficiency. 

Cons of convergent logic

A heavy focus on the “right” solution may hinder creativity or encourage resistance to change , setting you and your team behind the curve. Cut-and-dry processes don’t work for every situation, especially when innovation is your goal. Here are the limitations of convergent thinking to consider:

• Discourages creative thinking: Relying too heavily on problem-solving templates may squander your curiosity, eliminating creative thinking and disruptive innovation . While time-sensitive decisions need fast answers, others offer the space to question business as usual, leading to new and better best practices. 
• Might not work for complex problems: Not every issue has a clear pathway to resolution. Convergent thinking is ideal for straightforward challenges with clear answers, but for problems with several variables, structured critical thinking may be counterproductive and frustrating. It can lead to oversimplifications and overlook creative solutions, limiting your possibilities. 
• Supports a hive mind: When every team member aligns on a specific method or solution, you encourage a hive mind that supports cognitive biases and suppresses diversity . Seeking consensus overrides peer learning experiences, which could result in tedious teamwork or poor decision-making. 

While you may identify more as a convergent or divergent type of thinker, successful problem-solving requires you to adapt your thinking skills to each challenge. Understanding the differences between the two thinking processes can help you move from one to the other more easily. Here’s how they contrast: 

Convergent and divergent thinking aren’t mutually exclusive. They can complement one another at various stages of a project. Divergent thinkers spark creativity and exploration, and convergent thinkers transform ideas into action plans . Here are some scenarios in which the two methodologies intertwine:

1. Developing branded materials

When developing the aesthetic of a new brand, you use divergent thinking to brainstorm ideas. You might experiment with free-flowing combinations of fonts, color schemes, and illustrations during the project's discovery phase. 

But when it’s time to finalize all the assets, you’ll use step-by-step convergent thinking to convert them to usable file types, sizes, and compatibility. Your technical knowledge and logic lets you complete those actions correctly.

2. Building a pricing strategy

If you’re an entrepreneur , you’re free to price your business’s products and services however you like. But to hit your bottom line and turn a profit, you need to employ a mix of math and market projections. 

Use convergent thinking to accurately determine the cost of production, using spreadsheets and mathematical equations to define the total cost. Then you can use divergent thinking to propose different pricing scenarios and experiment with different structures to hit sales goals. 

3. Product maintenance

Throughout the lifecycle of any product or service, you’ll likely have to do some maintenance or create new features. For a team of software developers working on an application, optimizing code and fixing bugs requires a systematic approach, seeking a more efficient application and care to avoid introducing new coding errors. 

When the team needs to introduce a new feature, they shift to creative mode. They may brainstorm different interface designs, experiment with new tech, or A/B test updates with users to inform the evolution of their process.

4. Project management for a new service

Managing the development of a new service requires dynamic thinking, especially if you’re on a tight deadline. Convergent thinking is best for the planning phase, where your team must create a unified plan and establish timelines and budgets. Clear, procedural thinking lays the groundwork for the entire project’s efficient execution, like aligning team objectives , allocating resources, and defining scope. 

During your team’s conceptualization phase, brainstorming sessions encourage openness to new concepts — a process that could lead to innovation. And as you narrow down the options, your team will likely return to convergent thinking styles, turning big ideas into realistic action plans. 

5. Finding the root cause of a problem

Imagine your marketing initiative isn’t meeting the numbers you projected. Divergent thinking allows you to consider that problem from many angles — even those that might seem unlikely initially, like misguided campaigns, incorrect target audience, and possible technical problems. 

Once you have a broad view, convergent thinking helps you trim the excess. You may engage in more targeted analyses and look at other successful campaigns, using knowledge and previous experiences in the process. And after discovering what made your initiative fail, you may slip between the types of thinking to consider long-term solutions. 

Convergent thinking is more than a technique to arrive at the correct solution. It’s a style of thinking that saves time, builds confidence, and continuously strengthens your professional expertise. Embracing convergent thinking doesn’t mean abandoning creativity, but channeling it where it has the most impact. 

While you may naturally lean towards convergent or divergent thinking, learning how to assess the necessities of each challenge lets you focus your energy with intention and agility. Your improved adaptability will save time and help you contribute more effectively to your team. 

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

What are metacognitive skills? Examples in everyday life

How to develop critical thinking skills, type b personality: how to leverage your strengths and weaknesses, how divergent thinking can drive your creativity, what is social well-being definition, types, and how to achieve it, measuring the impact of coaching for frontline healthcare workers and educators, grief support: how to decide what you need right now, what it means to be laid off from work and how to get through it, 5 key differentiators of resilient organizations, according to research, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, what is lateral thinking 7 techniques to encourage creative ideas, what is creative thinking and how can i improve, essential decision-making skills to guide your tough choices, how to be more decisive: 8 tips to overcome choice anxiety, can dreams help you solve problems 6 ways to try, critical thinking is the one skillset you can't afford not to master, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Convergent Thinking: The Key to Effective Problem-Solving

As someone who has always been fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind, I've spent countless hours exploring various cognitive processes and their impact on our daily lives. One concept that has particularly captured my attention is convergent thinking – a mental approach that focuses on finding the single, best solution to a problem. In this blog post, I'll dive deep into the world of convergent thinking, sharing my personal insights and experiences along the way.

The Essence of Convergent Thinking

At its core, convergent thinking is all about narrowing down options and zeroing in on the most effective answer. It's a process that relies heavily on logic, accuracy, and speed, drawing upon our existing knowledge and problem-solving techniques. When faced with a challenge, convergent thinkers ask themselves, "What is the most straightforward and reliable way to solve this?"

My Personal Encounter with Convergent Thinking

I vividly remember my first encounter with the power of convergent thinking. As a young student, I struggled with math, often getting lost in the sea of numbers and formulas. One day, my teacher introduced us to a step-by-step problem-solving method that required breaking down complex equations into smaller, more manageable parts. By systematically applying this convergent approach, I was able to tackle even the most daunting math problems with ease. This experience taught me the value of structured thinking and the importance of having a clear, logical path to follow.

The Building Blocks of Convergent Thinking

To truly grasp the concept of convergent thinking, it's essential to understand its key components. Critical thinking, for instance, plays a vital role in evaluating information objectively and forming well-reasoned judgments. Logical reasoning, on the other hand, ensures that our conclusions are valid and coherent, while an analytical approach helps us break down complex ideas into simpler, more digestible parts.

Convergent Thinking in Action

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore how convergent thinking manifests itself in various aspects of our lives.

Convergent Thinking in Decision-Making

When it comes to making decisions, convergent thinking is often our go-to approach, especially when time is of the essence. By quickly assessing the available options and identifying the most promising one, we can make swift, confident choices. This is particularly crucial in high-pressure situations where indecision can lead to missed opportunities or negative consequences.

Real-Life Example: Choosing a Career Path

Imagine you're a recent college graduate, eager to embark on your professional journey. You have several job offers on the table, each with its own set of pros and cons. Using convergent thinking, you might create a list of criteria – such as salary, growth potential, and work-life balance – and systematically evaluate each option against these factors. By weighing the evidence and focusing on the most important aspects, you can confidently choose the career path that aligns best with your goals and values.

Convergent Thinking in Education

In the classroom, convergent thinking is often emphasized through activities that require students to find the one correct answer. Whether it's solving a math equation, identifying the capital of a country, or recalling a historical fact, convergent thinking helps students build a solid foundation of knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.

Personal Anecdote: Acing Multiple Choice Tests

As a student, I always found multiple-choice tests to be the perfect playground for convergent thinking. By carefully reading each question and eliminating the obviously incorrect answers, I could quickly narrow down my options and select the most plausible choice. This strategy served me well throughout my academic career, allowing me to excel in subjects that relied heavily on factual recall and logical reasoning.

Convergent Thinking in the Workplace

In professional settings, convergent thinking is a valuable asset, particularly when it comes to making strategic decisions and solving complex problems. By analyzing data, weighing pros and cons, and identifying the most effective course of action, convergent thinkers can help their organizations navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Case Study: Streamlining a Manufacturing Process

Imagine you're a manager at a manufacturing plant, tasked with improving efficiency and reducing costs. Using convergent thinking, you might gather data on the current production process, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and systematically evaluate potential solutions. By focusing on the most impactful changes – such as upgrading equipment, optimizing workflows, or training employees – you can develop a targeted plan to streamline operations and boost productivity.

The Limitations of Convergent Thinking

While convergent thinking is undeniably powerful, it's important to recognize its limitations. When relied upon too heavily, it can lead to rigidity, stifle creativity, and prevent us from considering unconventional solutions.

The Danger of Tunnel Vision

One of the main drawbacks of convergent thinking is that it can create a kind of tunnel vision, causing us to focus so intently on a single path that we overlook alternative possibilities. This can be particularly problematic when dealing with complex, multifaceted issues that require innovative thinking and fresh perspectives.

Personal Reflection: Overcoming Mental Blocks

I once found myself stuck on a particularly challenging work project, unable to find a solution despite my best efforts. I had been approaching the problem with a purely convergent mindset, trying to force a square peg into a round hole. It wasn't until I took a step back and allowed myself to think more divergently – brainstorming wild ideas and exploring unconventional angles – that I finally had my breakthrough moment. This experience taught me the importance of balancing convergent and divergent thinking, and not being afraid to think outside the box when necessary.

The Value of Divergent Thinking

To truly harness the full potential of our minds, it's crucial to cultivate both convergent and divergent thinking skills. While convergent thinking helps us find the most efficient and effective solutions, divergent thinking allows us to generate a wide range of creative ideas and explore multiple possibilities. By embracing both approaches, we can become more versatile and adaptable problem-solvers, ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way.

In a world that often demands quick, decisive action, convergent thinking is an invaluable tool. It allows us to cut through the noise, focus on what's important, and find the best path forward. However, as with any cognitive strategy, it's essential to use convergent thinking judiciously, recognizing its strengths and limitations.

By understanding the power of convergent thinking – and knowing when to balance it with divergent approaches – we can become more effective thinkers, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. Whether we're students striving for academic success, professionals navigating complex challenges, or simply individuals trying to make the most of our lives, convergent thinking is a skill that can serve us well.

So the next time you find yourself faced with a problem, take a moment to appreciate the incredible convergent thinking machine that is your mind. Embrace the clarity and focus it provides, but don't be afraid to let your divergent side shine too. After all, it's the interplay between these two modes of thought that truly unlocks our full potential.

What is the role of convergent thinking in problem-solving and decision-making activities

Convergent thinking in problem-solving.

Convergent thinking stands at the core of problem-solving. It involves focusing on a finite number of solutions. This approach contrasts sharply with divergent thinking. The latter casts the net wide for possible solutions. Convergent thinking drills down to the most viable solution. Both modes of thinking are critical in decision-making.

The Process of Convergent Thinking

Convergent thinking begins with analyzing the available information. Problem-solvers examine data closely. They then apply logical reasoning. This leads to solutions that fit within established boundaries. Also, convergent thinking often involves using prior knowledge and experiences. These guide individuals toward the right answers.

The role of this form of thinking becomes more clear in certain contexts. Take standardized tests, for instance. Such assessments require convergent thinking. Test-takers must single out the one correct answer. There's little room for creativity or multiple perspectives.

In business decisions, convergent thinking plays a key part. Managers must often make choices based on limited data. They rely on convergent thinking to analyze risks and rewards. The goal is always to identify the singular best course of action.

Advantages of Convergent Thinking

Convergent thinking offers several clear benefits:

- Time efficiency: It leads to quicker decisions.

- Clarity: It yields clear-cut answers.

- Practicality: It focuses on workable solutions.

These advantages support its role in high-stakes environments. Deadlines and pressures demand swift, decisive action. Here, convergent thinking reigns supreme.

It is worth noting that convergent thinking requires critical thinking skills. Individuals must assess facts objectively. They must also apply logical reasoning meticulously.

Balancing Convergent and Divergent Thinking

The best problem-solving often comes from a balance. Divergent thinking expands the realm of possibilities. Convergent thinking then narrows it down. Together, they form a dynamic duo in decision-making.

Decision-makers benefit from starting with divergent thinking. They explore all potential avenues without restrictions. This phase is open-ended and creative. It sets the stage for convergent thinking to take over. After considering various possibilities, problem-solvers use convergent thinking. They focus on converging towards the single best solution.

In conclusion, convergent thinking plays a pivotal role in problem-solving and decision-making. It complements divergent thinking by bringing a necessary focusing lens. Together, they achieve a complete problem-solving strategy. Convergent thinking therefore remains invaluable across multiple domains. It ensures that decision-making is grounded, practical, and often, successful.

How does convergent thinking differ from divergent thinking in terms of psychological and cognitive processes

Convergent and divergent thinking stand at the core of cognitive processing. They represent two distinct paths the brain takes when tackling problems or generating ideas. In this blog post, we unravel the intricacies of both processes.

Convergent Thinking

This mode of thinking aims at finding a single, correct solution to a problem. It involves logic, accuracy, and an analytical approach. Often, convergent thinking employs deduction. It starts from a known principle and narrows down to a specific answer.

Key Features

- Linear and analytical

- Focused on the 'correct' answer

- Relies on fact-based problem-solving

Such thinking aligns with standard intelligence tests. They require one to converge on a single solution. In academic and professional settings, this approach prevails. Think mathematics or multiple-choice exams.

Psychological Processes

Convergent thinking taps into the left hemisphere of the brain. This does not imply that the right hemisphere remains inactive. But literature often associates the left with logic and detail orientation.

Cognitive Processes

When one engages in this mode of thinking, the cognitive process becomes more streamlined. Individuals use a step-by-step method. They discard irrelevant information. The process resembles a funnel, where various data points channel into one conclusion.

Divergent Thinking

Divergent thinking, by contrast, explores multiple possible solutions. It thrives on creativity, spontaneity, and free-flowing thought. Here, thinkers look to connect disparate pieces of information in novel ways.

- Creative and non-linear

- Open-ended with many answers

- Encourages thinking 'outside the box'

The brainstorming sessions exemplify divergent thinking. There are no wrong answers. Innovation and art often require such an approach to thrive.

Divergent thinking engages the right hemisphere more. This side of the brain deals with intuition and holistic processing. Both hemispheres can collaborate, fostering creative insight.

Cognitive flexibility becomes crucial in divergent thinking. Individuals entertain different ideas simultaneously. They cross boundaries of conventional thought. This process is like a tree. It starts with a single trunk and branches out in various directions.

Complementary Systems

Convergent and divergent thinking are not mutually exclusive. They complement each other. Together, they form a comprehensive problem-solving toolset.

In Practice

- Convergent thinking defines the problem.

- Divergent thinking generates creative solutions.

- Then, convergent thinking evaluates these solutions.

Innovation often arises from this interplay. One must diverge to explore possibilities and converge to implement solutions.

Cognitive Flexibility

Flexibility lies at the heart of toggling between these thought processes. It lets us adapt our thinking to the demands of different situations.

Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility

- Embrace diverse experiences.

- Cultivate curiosity.

- Engage in both critical and creative exercises.

By developing cognitive flexibility, we enhance our ability to think in both convergent and divergent ways.

In summary, while convergent and divergent thinking use different psychological and cognitive processes, they both serve vital roles in intellectual functioning. Understanding and honing both can lead to a more versatile and innovative approach to problems in various domains of life.

What are some practical applications of convergent thinking in real-world situations?

Convergent thinking in practice.

Convergent thinking stands as a cognitive process wherein a single, well-defined answer to a problem is deduced. Experts often contrast it with divergent thinking, where multiple solutions are possible. In practical settings, convergent thinking proves invaluable. It drives efficient decision-making and problem-solving.

Applications in Daily Life

Decision-making relies heavily on convergent thinking. Each day, individuals face choices. One must consider various options. Ultimately, a single decision is necessary. Convergent thinking helps distill options into a clear choice.

Budgeting is a typical task requiring convergent thinking. Individuals receive a finite amount of resources. They must allocate these wisely. This need for optimal distribution calls for a focused approach. Convergent thinking leads to efficient budgeting.

Problem-Solving in the Workplace

In professional settings, convergent thinking is essential. Project management is a clear example. Teams face deadlines and defined goals. Convergent thinking helps identify the most direct path to project completion.

Conflict resolution within teams also benefits. Disputes arise from differing perspectives. A common ground must be found. Convergent thinking guides disputants toward a mutually agreeable solution.

Innovation and Design

Though often associated with divergent thinking, innovation requires convergence. In the development process, myriad ideas emerge. Yet, a single, viable product must be selected. Efforts converge to refine the final invention.

Design also requires convergent thinking. Designers create various drafts. They explore numerous possibilities. Finally, they must select a single, coherent design. Convergence allows for the refinement of ideas into practical applications.

Educational Settings

In education , convergent thinking is paramount. Standardized tests are designed for convergent responses. Takers must find the one correct answer. Teachers assess students' ability to apply convergent thinking.

Scientific Research

Research often employs convergent thinking. Scientists propose multiple hypotheses. Through experimentation, they exclude the incorrect ones. They converge on the most plausible explanation.

Medical Diagnosis

In the medical field , accurate diagnosis is critical. Patients present with various symptoms. Doctors use convergent thinking to determine the underlying condition. They rule out other potential causes to find the correct diagnosis.

Legal Proceedings

Within the legal system , evidence is key. Attorneys and juries face conflicting testimonies. They must assess the credibility of each. Convergent thinking leads to the most probable narrative of events.

Crisis Management

Crisis management demands rapid, convergent decision-making. Leaders receive a flood of information. They must respond quickly. Drawing conclusions from available data, they decide on the best course of action.

Convergent thinking enables people to navigate the complexities of life. It guides actions and decisions across varied contexts. Its practical applications span from the mundane to the critical, reflecting the profound impact of focused cognitive processing on real-world situations.

He is a content producer who specializes in blog content. He has a master's degree in business administration and he lives in the Netherlands.

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3 Modes Of Thinking: Lateral, Divergent & Convergent Thought

Lateral thinking solves problems via a creative approach involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using traditional step-by-step logic.

3 Modes Of Thinking: Lateral, Divergent & Convergent Thought

by TeachThought Staff

TeachThought is about, more than anything else, human improvement.

A core tenet of humanity is our ability to think critically and with imagination and creativity. Therefore, it makes sense that our ability–and the decision to–do this consistently in some ways defines us as a species. Critical thinking, in part, involves simply avoiding cognitive biases .

See also What It Means To Think Critically

Further, it’s not a huge leap to say that the ability and tendency to think critically and carefully and creatively supersedes content knowledge in importance, but that’s a discussion for another day. In general, it is our position that critical thinking is of huge importance for students, and as such is a big part of our content and mission at TeachThought.

In pursuit, the sketch note above from Sylvia Duckworth is a nice addition to that index of content. Sylvia has consistently done a great job converting ideas into simple visuals–on our 12 Rules Of Great Teaching , for example.

You can follow Sylvia on twitter here.

We’ve taken the visual and fleshed it out with some commentary from Wikipedia (a resource we love, by the way).

1. Convergent Thinking

Summary : Using logic

Also called:   Critical Thinking , Vertical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Linear Thinking

Wikipedia Excerpt & Overview

‘Convergent thinking  is a term coined by Joy Paul Guilford’ (who also coined the term for the ‘opposite’ way of thinking, ‘Divergent Thinking’).

‘It generally means the ability to give the “correct” answer to standard questions that do not require significant creativity, for instance in most tasks in school and on standardized multiple-choice tests for intelligence.

Convergent thinking is often used in conjunction with divergent thinking. Convergent thinking is the type of thinking that focuses on coming up with the single, well-established answer to a problem. [1]  Convergent thinking is used as a tool in creative problem-solving. When an individual is using critical thinking to solve a problem they consciously use standards or probabilities to make judgments. [2]  This contrasts with divergent thinking where judgment is deferred while looking for and accepting many possible solutions.’

2. Divergent Thinking

Summary : Using imagination

Also called : Creative Thinking or Horizontal Thinking

‘Divergent thinking  is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It is often used in conjunction with its cognitive colleague, convergent thinking, which follows a particular set of logical steps to arrive at one solution, which in some cases is a ‘correct’ solution. By contrast, divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, ‘

By contrast, divergent thinking typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, ‘non-linear’ manner, such that many ideas are generated in an emergent cognitive fashion. Many possible solutions are explored in a short amount of time, and unexpected connections are drawn. After the process of divergent thinking has been completed, ideas and information are organized and structured using convergent thinking.’

3. Lateral Thinking

Summary : Using both Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Also called : ‘Thinking Outside the Box’

‘Lateral thinking  is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic. [1]

To understand lateral thinking, it is necessary to compare lateral thinking and critical thinking. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the truth value of statements and seeking errors. Lateral thinking is more concerned with the “movement value” of statements and ideas. A person uses lateral thinking to move from one known idea to creating new ideas.’

TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers.

Convergent vs Divergent Thinking (Definitions + Examples)

Picture this. You’re at work and your team has a big problem to solve. Everyone sits down together in a room and starts to brainstorm. One person comes up with a solution, but it’s immediately shot down by another coworker. The next person comes up with a solution, and that’s immediately shot down, too. It doesn’t take long for the whole team to feel very frustrated and exhausted. You’ll never come up with a solution if everything is immediately torn apart!

How can you make this situation more productive? The first step is to learn about different types of thinking. By understanding the difference between convergent and divergent thinking, you can more effectively plan out your brainstorming session and come to the best solution without frustration.

Definition of Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking are relatively new terms in the world of psychology. They were first introduced to the world in 1956 by an American psychologist named J.P. Guilford. These two cognitive approaches, when used appropriately, can be used to solve just about any problem that you face.

Divergent Thinking

Let’s start by talking about divergent thinking. When you think about “brainstorming,” you are thinking about divergent thinking. This type of thinking requires you to expand your mind and find innovative solutions. The possibilities are endless. Divergent thinking allows you to see products in materials in new and different ways.

Mind maps are the best way to put the results of divergent thinking on paper. Mind maps contain ideas that branch off from each other in different directions. There doesn’t have to be a lot of logic used when you are in “divergent thinking” mode. Remember, you are expanding what is possible, not limiting it.

Convergent Thinking

Now, let’s go back to the first example. There was divergent thinking happening - each person was coming up with an “out of the box” idea. But they were quickly getting shot down. The person that was critiquing their argument was in “convergent thinking” mode.

Convergent thinking isn’t bad or unproductive. It’s necessary! This process is more analytical and “realistic.” It uses logic to narrow down ideas. This part of the thinking process requires looking for fallacies and potential problems. By narrowing down ideas that would not possibly work, you can find one or two ideas that will work without a hitch.

Examples of Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Let’s say you’re planning an event, and trying to figure out where to have the event. By putting on your “divergent thinking cap,” you start to brainstorm. How fun would it be to have the event at Disney World? Or at the new hotel that is opening down the street? What about a big outdoor party with tents? All of these venues could attract potential guests and make the event really stand out!

Wow, these are a lot of great ideas!

But let’s approach this same problem with our “convergent thinking cap.” Disney World? Way out of budget, and most of the guests won’t want to travel that far. The new hotel down the street? That’s closer to the budget and guests can easily travel there. A big outdoor party? This is an option too, but only if the cost for lights, heating, and the tents actually did fit in the budget. Would you need a permit to hold the party outside? Would you have to worry about noise complaints?

As you can see, both of these processes are necessary to come to a solution. You can’t just set your heart on Disney World without considering practical factors, like budget or location. But when you do come up with an “out of the box” solution that does fit into your constraints, you’ve got a great solution on your hands.

How to Effectively Use Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Convergent and divergent thinking require two different parts of the brain. While convergent thinking relies more on logic, divergent thinking relies more on creativity. Switching back and forth between the two may not seem like multitasking, but it is a form of multitasking. And multitasking is not as effective as you may think.

In the meeting mentioned at the beginning of this article, your team was constantly switching back and forth between convergent and divergent thinking. Their brain had to switch back and forth, too. No wonder the group became worn out so fast!

Harvard instructors like Anne Manning suggest another approach to convergent and divergent thinking. Rather than doing them in the same meeting, try “batching” your divergent and convergent thinking tasks. Take an hour of the meeting for your team simply to brainstorm ideas. No critiques, no logic, no convergent thinking. Just keep expanding the ideas of where you should hold the event, for a solid block of time.

Give your team a break. This break could be an overnight break - many people have their best creative ideas when they are sleeping, showering, or thinking about other things. Tell your team to write down any more creative ideas that they might have, and bring them to you before the next meeting.

Then, hold a meeting that is focused solely on convergent thinking. Think about the budget. Location. The number of people that you expect to attend the event. You’ll be able to cross some ideas off of your list pretty quickly. That’s okay. Crossing off items on your list quickly means that you’re coming to a solution quickly.

And voila! You’ve found your solution. Now it’s time to focus on other elements of the event. Using inspiration from your previous brainstorms, you can truly make your event the greatest it can be, or solve any problem efficiently. You may decide to make the event Disney-themed, for example, to have a fun event without shelling out the costs of actually going to Florida.

The next time you’re faced with a problem, try this batching technique. You might find yourself coming up with a great solution without frustrations!

Narrowing Down The Ideas

Don't have two days to come up with an idea? Split your team into two groups and let the debate begin! Well, sort of.

Here's how this brainstorming session works. Give two teams a set amount of time (maybe 30-60 minutes) to brainstorm all ideas without any sort of dissent or questioning. Write them all down on the left side of a piece of paper. At the end of the time period, switch the sheets of paper between the two teams. (You may find overlap. That's good!) Set another time period for the groups to engage in divergent thinking. Instruct them to eliminate most of the ideas, leaving a handful for the first group to choose from. At the end of the second time period, switch the papers back to the original groups.

If both groups still have not come to a consensus about the idea for moving forward, instruct each group to choose  one  of their remaining ideas to bring to the table. Once that is chosen, both groups will present that idea and the decision will be put to a vote amongst both groups.

Choose Your Best Team Members for Each Job

If you have a strong team that respects each other's processes, you may want to split your team up by their strengths and allow some to focus on convergent thinking or divergent thinking. Some team members naturally lean toward one or the other. Allowing people to show off their strengths can get your team the best answer in a process that everyone enjoys.

How do you know which team members are more skilled at convergent vs. divergent thinking? There are a few ways to find out.

Have an Open Dialogue

Give your team members the opportunity to choose which type of thinking they would like to engage in (if they have to pick.) Get to know their preferred forms of brainstorming. You may find that your team naturally prefers one type of thinking over the other. You may also find that they like to brainstorm in different ways! Keep an open mind.

Give it a Few Trial Runs

If everyone is shrugging their shoulders, go through a few trial runs. Split the teams randomly or bring everyone together to brainstorm ideas. Clearly split your time between convergent vs. divergent thinking. You will find that some team members have a hard time with convergent thinking, or others fail to speak up once the convergent thinking is over! As you notice these patterns, you will get a better sense of which "group" prefers one style over the other.

Go by Myers Briggs

Does your team all know their Myers Briggs type? Use this to indicate which members are likely more inclined to participate in convergent vs. divergent thinking. Team members best suited for convergent thinking include:

These aren't the only team members who should participate in convergent thinking, but it gives you a good idea of who you might want in the room during this brainstorming portion.

The best divergent thinkers include:

This isn't set in stone. Trust your team members. If they prefer one style over the other, give them the chance to shine!

Other Ideas for Brainstorming

Knowing the differences between convergent vs. divergent thinking can help you brainstorm. However, this approach may not be the best process for every team. Below are some other ways to brainstorm new ideas and find solutions to your most pressing problems.

Storyboarding

Get your team together and treat your problem like a conflict in a book.  Create a "storyboard" that explains what led to the problem and the conflict at hand. (Post-its and erasable markers are great tools for this type of brainstorming!) This method gives your team a new way to look at your problem.

SCAMPER offers a great set of prompts for a conversation about solutions. This is a great form of brainstorming for teams that are generally not convergent thinkers.

SCAMPER stands for:

• Substitute :  What would happen to the project if we swapped X for Y?
• Combine :  What would happen to the project if we combined X and Y?
• Adapt :  What changes would need to be made to adapt this project to a different context?
• Modify :  What could we modify to create more value on this project?
• Put to another use :  What other uses or applications might this project have?
• Eliminate :  What could we remove from the project to simplify it?
• Reverse :  How could we reorganize this project to make it more effective?

Six Thinking Hats

In 1985, psychologist Edward de Bono wrote "Six Thinking Hats" about a problem-solving exercise that involved roleplay. He described six different "hats" a person could wear as they brainstormed new ideas:

• Logic : Facts
• Optimism : Value and benefits.
• Devil’s Advocate : Difficulties and dangers
• Emotion : Feelings and intuitions
• Creativity : Possibilities and new ideas
• Management : Manager of other "hats"

What would happen if you chose six people on your team to wear these "hats?" Would they think about a solution in a new way? Would they come up with great, new ideas? There is only one way to find out!

There are so many great ways to brainstorm new ideas. Try out a few different methods, be aware of convergent vs. divergent thinking, and enjoy solving your team's biggest problems!

Related posts:

• Functional Fixedness (Definition + Examples)
• Social Loafing (Definition + Examples)
• Lewin’s Change Theory (Definition + Examples)
• Kurt Lewin Biography - Contributions To Psychology
• Social Groups in Psychology

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Convergent Thinking: the Definition and Theory

Convergent Thinking: in this article you will find a practical explanation of Convergent Thinking . This article contains the general definition of Convergent Thinking, practical examples and tips. This thinking style was described and developed by psychologist Joy Paul Guilford , who studied human intelligence. According to Guilford, human beings possess two types of thinking: Divergent Thinking and Convergent Thinking. In this article, we will take a closer look at Convergent Thinking. After reading, you will understand the basic concepts of this way of thinking which is used for problem solving. Enjoy reading!

What is Convergent Thinking?

Convergent Thinking is a type of thinking that all human beings possess, but that some people develop differently from others. Each human being puts this type of thinking into action depending on the situation he or she lives in.

Convergent thinking seeks only one correct answer to a question or problem or a specific situation. Convergent thinkers do not need creativity to be able to find solutions, instead, logic and reflection are necessary to find answers to the resolution of conflicts that a person has. Using creative ideas to find answers is done through the divergent thinking style.

Convergent thinking is also used as a form of learning and education in schools and universities around the world in knowledge tests such as standardized multiple-choice tests in which only one answer is correct. This line of thinking is vertical and specific, where logic is right and results in an exact and unique answer.

In this type of thinking, there are no possibilities and different options. Reflecting and carrying out a single answer is what is important. This means that the process of this type of thinking is a reflection of existing knowledge, action and precise result in a situation that requires a quick and logical process, using all available information.

In answering the question: What is convergent thinking?, one can mistakenly look for the definition of convergence psychology. Convergence psychology is not related to convergent thinking and has a different definition.

Convergence in psychology can be defined as: the behaviors of a crowd of people who share a similar goal that join together in a physical location. While convergence refers to the behavior of people, convergent thinking refers to a certain thinking style.

Convergent thinking in psychology has a different definition. Convergent thinking in psychology can have the following definition: deducing the one correct solution to a problem based on rules and logical reasoning.

In what situations is Convergent Thinking used?

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, Convergent Thinking is used by all human beings in different situations that arise in life, whether personal or professional situations.

However, it is important to note that it is used more when there are difficult situations that require concentration such as making important decisions where thinking has to be critical, analytical and reflective.

Logic as the axis of Convergent Thinking

In this way of thinking, the following tools are used to develop Convergent Thinking: evaluating, filtering and selecting the information one has in order to find a single solution to the problem or situation presented by the person.

There are people who develop convergent thinking much more than others. These types of people are not impulsive or passionate when it comes to making decisions. They first think, evaluate and reflect on what is best based on indicators or scientific criteria in order to move forward in problem solving.

It is essential to identify what is really useful to solve closed, logical and concrete problems.

• Logical and rational thinking
• It tries to arrive at a solution by examining patterns with the information it has
• It looks for the concrete, the tangible
• Landing ideas to have something real
• Define, specify, plan and find a solution

Logic as the axis of CT

• It tries to arrive at a correct solution by examining patterns with the information it has

Advantages of this thinking style

Convergent thinking helps to make decisions in situations that can be complex.

People who develop this type of thinking in depth can be more confident and secure when making decisions, because they have analysed the different alternatives on the table, and have opted for the answer or solution that they believe is the best and most concrete.

Convergent thinking also assists with logic and critical thinking. These skills are developed when under pressure or in difficult moments in the professional environment, where it is necessary to make precise decisions in order to achieve success in the resolution of conflicts that can damage a company.

Disadvantages of CT

The following disadvantages are linked to this type of thinking.

• It can limit creativity as a person with CT only relies on true, tangible data that can offer solutions. Intuition is ruled out in this way of thinking.
• It lowers the mood as being in a constant mode of critical thinking and reflection makes people more serious, sad and nervous because of the logical effort they exert in daily life.

The following are examples of situations when Convergent Thinking is applied by humans in daily life.

• Taking important decisions when reviewing different alternatives when working on a business project and you are the leader. The person involved must review the options, analyse, reflect and take the best alternative that is offered by his or her team.
• A student who is taking an exam, must analyse and remember the previous information that he/she had studied for the test, with the collection of information that he/she has, he/she will be able to analyse the options of the exam and choose the best answer that he/she believes is the correct one. According to your previous studies and with the information you are being given in the document you will put Convergent Thinking into practice.
• Planning a trip, something that seems simple but is important because when people go out of their comfort zone they have to analyse and identify the best options and choose only one for the trip. Doing all the logical planning of budget, accommodation, transport and choosing what best suits your intentions puts this type of thinking into practice.

These are simple, everyday examples of activities that people are often doing with cognitive processes.

Convergent Thinking Personality

Some studies reflect that a person’s personality with convergent and divergent thinking is associated with the actions of spontaneity, imagination, artistic interests, liberal attitudes and others are associated with divergent thinking.

However, Convergent Thinking has not shown signs of a personality appropriation as all human beings regardless of their personality type will always use Convergent Thinking in situations that demand it

Convergent vs Divergent Thinking

As explained above, Convergent Thinking is logical, unique and reflective. Only one answer or option is correct. No creativity is needed to find a solution or answer to a situation or problem.

People who use or develop this type of thinking the most are analytical and think through everything before making a single decision. This can lead to the person being more strict with their work and also in their personal life as they analyse everything and rarely let spontaneity flow.

On the other hand, there is Divergent Thinking, which is the opposite of the above. Divergent Thinking uses creativity to look for different alternatives and solutions to a situation or problem.

A person who uses or develops more of this type of thinking is usually spontaneous in making decisions and creating different options in their personal and professional life.

The stimulation of creativity is the strength of Divergent Thinking. Constantly working on this stimulation can lead to original solutions to a situation as ideas can flow more naturally.

Can these types of thinking work together?

Although these types have their distinct differences, it is vital to keep in mind that Convergent and Divergent Thinking can work hand in hand to achieve the most efficient solution.

By merging the two, with Divergent Thinking being the one that creatively finds the different alternatives and solutions to different problems but when analysing the different options Convergent Thinking puts into action the logical reasoning of what may be the best option, you will have a successful fusion where the person puts the two ways of thinking to work together.

Practical use of Convergent Thinking

Convergent Thinking is used in the education of students. In most of the tests implemented by schools or universities are standardised tests that are multiple choice tests where the correct answer is unique.

With this technique, you study the alternatives given by the test and put into practice to choose the best option according to the knowledge acquired by the student in his learning stage.

It is also used in situations under pressure, whether in a work or personal difficulty. This requires the person to be focused and to analyse the pros and cons of the situation in order to make the best decision.

This is why it is said to be used by all human beings according to the situation they are in and where most of these situations are situations that require high responsibility and commitment.

Convergent Thinking has been criticised by different researchers as, according to them, problems can have different solutions and that these can be carried out together without having to take only one as the correct one.

Using this way of thinking can also overshadow minorities who have a more Divergent Thinking style as in the end the person with the logical thinking will always make the precise decision for problem-solving, forgetting the voice of others.

All human beings use Convergent Thinking in some processes of daily life, however, many people develop this type of thinking much more and put it into practice on a daily basis.

Not taking risks, playing it safe and having a result that is 100% correct is what is always sought after in this way of thinking. Mathematics and the exact sciences can prove it, the logic is undeniable and precise and brings with it a single result.

Many people constantly develop and practice this type of thinking because of the situations that arise. It is all about identifying, reflecting, evaluating and taking action on a single alternative. It is a great tool for making important decisions that are necessary to protect or save assets, businesses and other assets.

It is your turn

What do you think? Do you think the two thinking styles can be merged together? Is CT always used in daily life by all human beings without exception? What kind of thinking styles do you think you have? Can you please share with us a little bit how you use it and in what kind of situations? Do you have anything else to add or any suggestions? Are you more of a convergent thinker or a divergent thinker?

Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.

More information

• Chamorro-Premuzic, T., & Reichenbacher, L. (2008). Effects of personality and threat of evaluation on divergent and convergent thinking . Journal of Research in Personality, 42(4), 1095-1101.
• Chermahini, S. A., & Hommel, B. (2012). Creative mood swings: divergent and convergent thinking affect mood in opposite ways . Psychological research, 76(5), 634-640.
• Cropley, A. (2006). In praise of convergent thinking . Creativity research journal, 18(3), 391-404.
• Guilford, J.P. (1988). Some changes in the structure of intellect model . Educational and Psychological Measurement, 48, 1-4.
• Taft, R., & Rossiter, J. R. (1966). The remote associates test: divergent or convergent thinking? . Psychological Reports, 19(3_suppl), 1313-1314.
• Wallace, G. (2022). Creativity Course by a Creativity Coach . Retrieved 02/15/2024 from Udemy.
• Website Stelava . Retrieved 02/20/2024 from Stelava.com

How to cite this article: Ospina Avendano, D. (2021). Convergent Thinking (Guilford) . Retrieved [insert date] from Toolshero: https://www.toolshero.com/psychology/convergent-thinking/

Original publication date: 03/14/2018 | Last update: 07/04/2024

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Daniela Avendaño

Daniela Avendaño is a content producer and translator at toolshero. She obtained a Bachelor in Communications & Journalism, and with her theoretical and practical knowledge she supports the toolshero production team with interesting articles on management, personal & professional development, marketing and more. She is driven by sharing knowledge and stimulating others to develop.

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Divergent vs Convergent Thinking: What's the Difference?

Divergent and convergent thinking are key components of problem-solving and decision-making, often used across different fields. They represent two different ways of approaching challenges: one focuses on generating many ideas, while the other narrows them down to find the best solution.

In this article, we’ll break down divergent vs convergent thinking styles, explore their practical applications, and show how they can help make better decisions and solve complex problems effectively.

Divergence vs Convergence: Definitions

How to apply divergent and convergent thinking, the pros and cons of convergent vs. divergent thinking, tips to get the most out of divergent & convergent thinking, when to use divergent vs convergent thinking, convergent vs. divergent thinking in project management, why you need both types of thinking.

Divergence and convergence are two opposing cognitive processes that play distinct roles in problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent thinking is a creative process that helps generate a wide range of ideas or possibilities. It involves thinking broadly, exploring different angles, and coming up with multiple solutions to a problem. The main goal of divergent thinking is to promote creativity by allowing a free flow of thoughts without judgment or evaluation. In short, it’s about “thinking outside the box” and considering unconventional options.

Convergence

Convergent thinking, on the other hand, is a focused and analytical process aimed at selecting the best solution or idea from a set of options. It involves carefully evaluating, comparing, and narrowing down choices to identify the most effective and practical solution to a problem. Convergent thinking is about making decisions and finding the most suitable answer based on specific criteria, often guided by logic, data, and established principles.

This comparison chart gives a quick overview of the differences between divergent and convergent thinking.

Remember that divergent and convergent thinking aren’t separate stages, but often work together iteratively. You may need to switch between these thinking styles multiple times to fine-tune and improve your ideas. Additionally, involving a mix of people with different skills and thinking styles and expertise can also help increase the quality of both your divergent and convergent thinking processes.

Applying Divergent Thinking

Define the problem : Start by clearly outlining the problem or challenge you’re facing. Understand its scope and boundaries.

Brainstorm freely : Hold a brainstorming session where you and your team generate as many ideas as possible. During this phase:

• Do not criticize or judge ideas.
• Welcome unconventional and even seemingly impractical ideas.
• Build upon the ideas of others to spark creativity.

Mind mapping : Use mind maps or visual diagrams to explore connections between ideas and concepts. This can help you see the bigger picture and identify potential solutions.

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• Role play and scenario building : Imagine yourself in different scenarios related to the problem. Role-playing and scenario building can help you consider various perspectives and possibilities.

Analogies and metaphors : Draw analogies or use metaphors to relate the problem to unrelated concepts. This can help generate fresh insights and creative solutions.

Idea capture : Document all generated ideas systematically, either on paper or digitally. Organize them for easy reference during the convergent thinking phase. Use the following brainstorming board to quickly record and organize ideas.

Applying Convergent Thinking

Evaluate ideas : Review the list of generated ideas from the divergent thinking phase. Consider factors like feasibility, practicality, and alignment with your goals and constraints.

Set criteria : Define specific criteria or parameters for evaluating ideas. This could include cost-effectiveness, time constraints, and the potential for implementation.

Rank and prioritize : Rank the ideas based on their alignment with the established criteria. Prioritize the top ideas that best meet your objectives.

Select the best option : Choose the single best solution or idea from the prioritized list. This decision should be well-reasoned and backed by data and analysis.

Plan implementation : Develop a detailed action plan for implementing the chosen solution. Outline the steps, resources, and timeline required for execution.

Test and iterate : Implement the chosen solution and monitor its progress. If necessary, be open to making adjustments and iterations based on feedback and results.

Reflect and learn : After implementing the solution, reflect on the process. What worked well? What could be improved? Use these insights for future problem-solving.

Convergent Thinking Pros and Cons

Divergent Thinking Pros and Cons

To maximize the effectiveness of divergent and convergent thinking, consider the following tips:

Clear problem definition : Start with a well-defined problem or challenge. Having a clear understanding of what you’re trying to solve or achieve is essential for effective thinking.

Time management : Set time limits for each phase of thinking. Divergent thinking sessions should encourage rapid idea generation, while convergent thinking should focus on efficient decision-making.

Diverse teams : Encourage diversity within your team. A variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Document everything : Keep detailed records of all ideas and decisions made during the process. This documentation can serve as a valuable reference and help maintain continuity.

Flexibility : Be willing to adapt and adjust your thinking approach as needed. Sometimes, the process may require going back and forth between divergent and convergent thinking to refine ideas and decisions.

Visual collaboration : Use visual aids, such as whiteboards, mind maps, and diagrams, to carry out idea generation and decision-making. Visual tools can boost communication and understanding within the team. With a visual collaboration platform like Creately , you can effortlessly conduct brainstorming sessions using readily-made templates for mind maps, concept maps, idea boards and more. You can also use its infinite canvas and integrated notes capabilities to capture and organize information in one place.

Iterative approach : Know that problem-solving often involves iterating between divergent and convergent thinking. It’s a dynamic process, and fine tuning ideas is needed for success.

Knowing when to use divergent thinking vs convergent thinking is key to effective problem-solving and decision-making.

Divergent Thinking

Convergent Thinking

In real projects, you often switch between these two thinking styles. Divergent thinking starts things off with idea generation and exploration during planning. As the project moves forward, convergent thinking takes over to make precise decisions and execute efficiently. A good balance between these thinking styles helps project managers guide their projects effectively while allowing room for innovation when needed.

Project managers use convergent thinking to analyze data, evaluate options, and select the most suitable solutions for the project. It’s particularly helpful when you have clearly defined problems or need to allocate resources efficiently. Convergent thinking makes sure that your project stays on course and meets its objectives with precision.

Divergent thinking, on the other hand, is the thinking style you turn to when you’re dealing with complex, open-ended challenges or seeking fresh, imaginative ideas. Project managers use divergent thinking for brainstorming and idea generation without constraints. This approach is useful in exploring various possibilities, finding unique solutions, and injecting creativity into the project.

It’s important to have both divergent and convergent thinking because they play different but complementary roles in problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Divergent thinking, for example, helps generate a wide array of ideas and solutions as it helps break away from conventional thinking allowing you to think outside of the box.

On the other hand, convergent thinking comes into play when you need to evaluate, select, and refine ideas or solutions. It helps you make informed decisions based on defined criteria, making sure that the most promising options are chosen for further development.

Having both thinking styles in your toolkit helps comprehensive problem-solving. Divergent thinking deepens your understanding of complex problems by taking into account multiple perspectives and angles, and convergent thinking helps you narrow down options to actionable choices.

In essence, divergent and convergent thinking represent two complementary approaches to problem-solving, with divergent thinking fostering creativity and idea generation, and convergent thinking facilitating decision-making and solution selection. Both thinking styles have their unique strengths and are valuable in various contexts.

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Home » What is Convergent Thinking? [Definition and Examples]

What is Convergent Thinking? [Definition and Examples]

March 24, 2023 max 7min read.

This article contains,

• What is convergent thinking?

Convergent Thinking in Product Management

• How convergent thinking differs from other types of thinking?
• What are the steps involved in convergent thinking?
• Examples of how convergent thinking can solve problems
• What are the benefits of convergent thinking?

When to Use Convergent Thinking?

What is convergent thinking, definition of convergent thinking.

Convergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves analyzing and evaluating different pieces of information to arrive at a single, correct solution or answer. It is often used in problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.

To put it simply, convergent thinking is like piecing together a puzzle. You gather all the pieces and try to fit them together to complete the picture. This approach is practical when you must come up with a specific solution or choose from a limited number of options.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to decide which restaurant to go to for dinner. Consider location, price, cuisine, and reviews to narrow your options. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a single choice that meets all your criteria, and that’s an example of convergent thinking in action.

Product management heavily relies on convergent thinking to deliver successful products that meet customers’ needs and align with business objectives. 

Convergent thinking helps product managers to evaluate the available information and choose the best course of action to achieve the desired outcomes.

Convergent thinking 

• identifies customer needs , 
• analyzes market trends, 
• evaluates competitors, and 
• prioritizes features. 

Product managers gather information from various sources, such as user feedback , customer research, and market analysis, to identify the most critical issues and prospects.

Once they have gathered all the necessary information, they use convergent thinking to prioritize features and functionalities based on their importance and feasibility. By focusing on the most critical elements first, they can deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that meets the basic needs of their customers and provides value.

Convergent thinking is also used in product management to evaluate the success of a product. 

Product managers collect customer feedback , monitor sales data, and analyze market trends to identify areas for improvement and potentially new opportunities. Using convergent thinking to evaluate this information, product managers can make informed decisions and adjust their product strategy accordingly.

Another way that convergent thinking is used in product management is through roadmapping. They use convergent thinking to identify the most critical features and functionalities that will be included in the product over time. This helps to ensure that the product is developed in a structured manner that aligns with the overall product vision and goals .

Overall, convergent thinking is an essential skill in product management. It helps them to make informed decisions based on available information, prioritize features and functionalities, evaluate product success , and develop a product roadmap that aligns with the business objectives. By using convergent thinking, product managers can deliver successful products that meet the needs of their customers and drive business growth.

How Convergent Thinking Differs From Other Types of Thinking?

Suppose you’ve ever found yourself struggling to find the perfect solution to a problem. In that case, you would have used the concept of convergent thinking – but how does it differ from other types of thinking, and which approach is best suited for different kinds of challenges?

Convergent thinking differs from other types, such as divergent and lateral thinking , which involve generating multiple solutions or ideas to a problem or question.

Divergent thinking is the process of exploring many possible solutions to a problem or question. This thinking involves brainstorming, free association, and other techniques that encourage creativity and idea generation. Different from convergent thinking, there is no single correct answer in divergent thinking.

Lateral thinking is a type of thinking that involves looking at a problem or question from different perspectives or angles. This approach often involves breaking down assumptions or established thinking patterns for innovative solutions. Lateral thinking can apply both divergent and convergent thinking strategies.

In summary, convergent thinking involves finding a single, correct answer to a problem. In contrast, divergent thinking generates multiple possible solutions, and lateral thinking consists in approaching a problem from different angles to find innovative solutions.

What Are the Steps Involved in Convergent Thinking?

There are several steps involved in convergent thinking,

Here are the steps involved in convergent thinking:

Define the problem or question

The first step in convergent thinking is to define the problem or question that needs to be addressed. This involves clearly understanding the issue and identifying what needs to be solved.

Gather information

The second step is to gather information related to the problem or question. This includes gathering relevant data, facts, and opinions about the issue.

Analyze information

Once the information is gathered, the next step is to analyze it. This involves breaking down the information into smaller parts and examining it in detail.

Identify possible solutions

After analyzing the information, the next step is to identify possible solutions to the problem or question. This involves brainstorming and developing various options that could be potential solutions.

Evaluate solutions

The next step is to evaluate each potential solution identified in the previous step. This involves weighing the pros and cons of each solution and considering factors such as feasibility, effectiveness, and impact.

Choose the best solution

Once all the potential solutions are evaluated, the next step is to choose the best solution. This involves selecting the most effective, feasible solution with the most significant impact.

Implement the solution

The final step in convergent thinking is implementing the chosen solution. This involves taking action to implement the solution and monitoring the results to ensure that the problem has been solved.

Examples of How Convergent Thinking Can Solve Problems

It’s time to throw more light on this through a few examples. Let’s dive deep and study instances where convergent thinking becomes invaluable.

Here are a few examples of how you can use convergent thinking to solve problems:

Product design

When designing a new product, there are often many design options to consider. Convergent thinking can be used to narrow down potential designs and identify the most effective one based on user needs, functionality, and cost.

Marketing strategy

Convergent thinking can also be used to develop effective marketing strategies. Marketers can create a cohesive and effective marketing campaign by considering various marketing approaches and narrowing them down to the most effective options.

When managing a budget, there are often many different areas where funds can be allocated. Convergent thinking can be used to identify the most critical areas to allocate funds based on factors such as the organization’s goals and priorities .

Conflict resolution

In situations with conflicting opinions or viewpoints, convergent thinking can be used to identify a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. Conflicts can be resolved productively and effectively by narrowing down potential solutions and finding common ground.

What Are the Benefits of Convergent Thinking?

If you have read so far, you already have a succinct idea about the importance and benefits of Convergent thinking, but let’s discuss it in detail to clear any of the qualms.

Some of the most obvious benefits are as follows,

By identifying the most effective solution, convergent thinking can help save time and resources that might otherwise be wasted on less effective solutions.

Convergent thinking can help clarify the problem at hand by forcing the issue solver to consider and prioritize the essential factors.

Effectiveness

By identifying the most effective solution, convergent thinking can help ensure that the problem is solved in the best possible way.

While convergent thinking involves narrowing down potential solutions, it can also encourage creative thinking by forcing the problem solver to consider multiple possible solutions and weigh their pros and cons.

Goal-oriented

Convergent thinking is inherently goal-oriented, as the goal is to identify the most effective solution to a given problem. This can help keep the problem solver focused and on track.

Knowing when to apply convergent thinking can be the difference between solving a problem quickly and effectively or getting bogged down in indecision – so when is it most appropriate to use this problem-solving approach?

Let’s look at that

Below are some situations in which convergent thinking may be instrumental:

Clear goals

Convergent thinking is particularly effective when there are clear goals or criteria for success. When the problem solver knows what they want to achieve, convergent thinking can be used to identify the most effective solution to achieve those goals.

Limited resources

When resources such as time, money, or personnel are limited, convergent thinking can be instrumental in identifying the most effective use of those resources.

Time-sensitive situations

When a problem needs to be solved quickly, convergent thinking can be particularly effective in quickly identifying the most promising solutions and narrowing them down to the most effective ones.

Well-defined problems

When a problem is well-defined, and there is a clear understanding of what needs to be solved, convergent thinking can quickly identify the most effective solution.

Critical decisions

When making important decisions , convergent thinking can be used to identify the most effective option based on a set of criteria or factors.

Conclusion 

As product managers work to bring new products and features to market, they must be able to identify the best solution to a problem or challenge, often with limited resources and time. By utilizing convergent thinking, product managers can streamline their decision-making process, prioritize their efforts, and ultimately deliver better products to their customers.

In conclusion, convergent thinking is a powerful tool for problem-solving and decision-making that can be applied in many contexts, including product management. By mastering the principles of convergent thinking, individuals can improve their ability to identify the best solutions to complex problems and achieve better outcomes in their personal and professional lives.

More like this:

• What is Design Thinking? 5 stages, Advantages
• Six Thinking Hats – Productive Thinking Approach
• Difference Between Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning

Characteristics of convergent thinking include finding a single, correct answer, using logical reasoning and analysis to arrive at a solution, and narrowing down possibilities for the most suitable solution.

The goal of convergent thinking is to find the best possible solution to a problem or challenge, often with limited resources and time.

Both convergent and divergent thinking can be developed through practice and training. Engaging in activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving can help individuals strengthen their convergent thinking skills. In contrast, activities encouraging creativity and idea generation can help individuals develop divergent thinking skills.

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How to Teach Divergent Thinking Skills in the Classroom

By andy minshew.

• December 21, 2020

To solve a problem they are struggling with, some students need only to “think outside the box.” This tactic is called divergent thinking, and it gets students to come up with several answers to a question and decide which is the best, most useful one.

Read on to take a look at divergent thinking, why it’s important, and how it differs from its opposite, convergent thinking. Then, discover a few strategies for helping students strengthen and maintain their divergent thinking skills.

What is Divergent Thinking?

Although divergent thinking is not synonymous with creativity—here defined as the ability to have new ideas or make something new—the two skills are closely related.[3] Divergent thinking can lead to creativity as students come up with more unique solutions. Likewise, encouraging creativity in your students can lead them to consider divergent answers to their problems.

Studies also suggest that, as a whole, children have stronger divergent thinking skills than adults. For example, children are better at visualizing divergent ideas than adults. In fact, a person’s ability to think divergently decreases with age. It could be argued that teaching divergent thinking to students is less about teaching a new skill and more about maintaining it.

Divergent Thinking vs. Convergent Thinking

It’s important not to confuse divergent thinking with convergent thinking, a problem-solving strategy that is more often taught in schools. Convergent thinking encourages students to come up with one distinct answer to a question based on the information given to them.[6] After they have come up with this solution, they stop and do not come up with others.

Convergent thinking is not necessarily a negative thinking strategy. In some situations, there may be one answer to a question (though there likely isn’t only one way to get that answer). But in general, teaching divergent thinking over its convergent counterpart will help students solve problems more creatively and effectively.

Divergent Thinking Boosts Problem-Solving and Student Success

Divergent thinking can also help students become more open-minded, a crucial social-emotional skill.[4] As students learn to think about a topic from new angles, they’ll be able to consider ideas from beyond their own experiences. This can help them broaden their perspective and better understand people whose ideas differ from their own.

Additionally, divergent thinking strategies teach students how to problem solve.[2] Instead of stopping at the quickest, easiest, or most obvious solution, students spend time thinking of many different answers. That way, they learn to prioritize finding an effective solution over a fast one.

The younger a student is, the easier divergent thinking may come to them. For example, 90% of kindergarteners ranked at the “genius” level for divergent thinking in a study conducted by the Royal Society of Medicine.[14] If you can nurture this skill early in a student’s academic journey, you can help them maintain skills that will benefit them for their entire life.

Strategies to Encourage Divergent Thought in Schools

One simple yet effective way to help students think divergently is by asking open-ended questions.[12] Open-ended questions are defined as ones that cannot be answered by “yes” or “no.” The more open a question is, the more likely students will be able to come up with many different answers.

These open-ended question examples from the Coeur d’Alene Public School District can help you get started as you structure your lesson plans:

• What were the major effects of World War II for the United States?
• What is your favorite memory from childhood?
• What makes the leaves change color?

In class, encourage students to focus more on the learning process, and not on the answer.[16] If students worry too much about finding the “right” answer, they may hurry and choose their first answer. But if they spend a little more time on a question, they may think of a better one.

Additionally, teach your students to view failures as a positive rather than a negative experience.[10] Making mistakes provides learning experiences that can help students move toward a more successful solution. If a student is struggling with a project, praise them for working hard and encourage them to try again from another angle.

And finally, make sure to include time for creative play in your classroom. Studies show that playing pretend, for example, is linked to stronger divergent thinking skills in young students.[5] Assign students projects that allow them to use their imagination and play as they complete it. You could, for example, assign students an art project or have them perform a skit in small groups.

5 Quick Tips to Teach Students Divergent Thinking Skills

It’s crucial to encourage divergent thinking in schools in order to help students thrive. By thinking outside of the box, your students will come up with better and more thoughtful solutions.

These five quick and simple tips will help you move towards divergent thinking in the classroom.

1. Journaling is a great way to encourage self-analysis and help students think through many solutions to a question.[13] Assign students to keep a journal and ask them thought-provoking questions .

For earlier grades, journaling may involve more drawing and early attempts to write than full sentences.

2. Include free play in your curriculum, which is when students can work on projects of their own choosing.[11]

3. Ask students open-ended questions that cannot be answered with one solution.[8] You could, for example, ask what they believe makes life meaningful or how they would solve a global issue.

4. Brainstorming is a great example of a divergent thinking strategy. If a student is stuck on an assignment, encourage them to brainstorm answers or solutions—either on their own or with their classmates. Through brainstorming, students are taught to consider a variety of solutions instead of just one.[6]

5. Play this Animal Soup Activity to teach students how to come up with many outcomes to a situation.

• Runco, M.A., and Acar, S. Divergent Thinking as an Indicator of Creative Potential . Creativity Research Journal, 2012, 24(1), pp. 66-75.
• Vincent, A.S., Decker, B.P., and Mumford, M.D. Divergent Thinking, Intelligence, and Expertise: A Test of Alternative Models . Creativity Research Journal, 2002, 14(2), pp. 163-178.
• Runco, M. A. Commentary: Divergent thinking is not synonymous with creativity . Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 2008, 2(2), 93–96.
• Goodman, S. Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking . March 2014. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/fueling-creativity-through-divergent-thinking-classroom-stacey-goodman
• Hadani, H.S. The Creativity Issue: Why Imaginative Play in Early Childhood Could be the Key to Creativity in Adulthood . Toca Magazine. tocaboca.com/magazine/creativity-issue_imaginary-play/.
• Nelson-Danley, K. How to Teach Divergent Thinking . Teach Hub. July 2020. https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2020/07/how-to-teach-divergent-thinking/
• Palmiero, M., Di Giacomo, D., and Passafiume, D. Divergent Thinking and Age-Related Changes . Creativity Research Journal, 2014, 26(4), pp 456-460.
• Amico, B. Crucial Creativity: The Case for Cultivating Divergent Thinking in Classrooms . Waldorf Education. February 2020. https://www.waldorfeducation.org/news-resources/essentials-in-education-blog/detail/~board/essentials-in-ed-board/post/crucial-creativity-the-case-for-cultivating-divergent-thinking-in-classrooms.
• Guido, M. How to Teach Convergent and Divergent Thinking: Definitions, Examples, Templates and More . Prodigy. July 2018. https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/convergent-divergent-thinking/.
• Briggs, S. 30 Ways to Inspire Divergent Thinking . InformED. June 2014. https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/divergent-thinking/.
• Iannelli, V. The Importance of Free Play for Kids . Verywell Family. March 2020. https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-importance-of-free-play-2633113.
• Hughes, D. Activities that Inspire Divergent Thinking . https://study.com/academy/lesson/activities-that-inspire-divergent-thinking.html.
• University of Washington Staff. Strategies of Divergent Thinking . https://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/imdt.htm.
• Abbasi, K. A riot of divergent thinking . Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, October 2011, 104(10), pp. 391.
• Lewis, C., and Lovatt, P.J. Breaking away from set patterns of thinking: Improvisation and divergent thinking . Thinking Skills and Creativity, August 2013, 9, pp. 46-58.
• O’Byrne, W.I. Understanding key differences between divergent & convergent thinking . November 2017. https://wiobyrne.com/divergent-convergent/.
• Cohut, M. What are the health benefits of being creative? Medical News Today. February 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320947.

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What is CPS?

Cps = c reative p roblem s olving, cps is a proven method for approaching a problem or a challenge in an imaginative and innovative way. it helps you redefine the problems and opportunities you face, come up with new, innovative responses and solutions, and then take action..

Why does CPS work?

CPS begins with two assumptions:

• Everyone is creative in some way.
• Creative skills can be learned and enhanced.

Osborn noted there are two distinct kinds of thinking that are essential to being creative:

Divergent thinking.

Brainstorming is often misunderstood as the entire Creative Problem Solving process.   Brainstorming is the divergent thinking phase of the CPS process.   It is not simply a group of people in a meeting coming up with ideas in a disorganized fashion. Brainstorming at its core is generating lots of ideas.  Divergence allows us to state and move beyond obvious ideas to breakthrough ideas. (Fun Fact: Alex Osborn, founder of CEF, coined the term “brainstorm.” Osborn was the “O” from the ad agency BBDO.)

Convergent Thinking

Convergent thinking applies criteria to brainstormed ideas so that those ideas can become actionable innovations.  Divergence provides the raw material that pushes beyond every day thinking, and convergence tools help us screen, select, evaluate, and refine ideas, while retaining novelty and newness.

To drive a car, you need both the gas and the brake.

But you cannot use the gas and brake pedals at the same time — you use them alternately to make the car go. Think of the gas pedal as Divergence , and the brake pedal as Convergence . Used together you move forward to a new destination.

Each of us use divergent and convergent thinking daily, intuitively. CPS is a deliberate process that allows you to harness your natural creative ability and apply it purposefully to problems, challenges, and opportunities.

The CPS Process

Based on the osborn-parnes process, the cps model uses plain language and recent research., the basic structure is comprised of four stages with a total of six explicit process steps. , each step uses divergent and convergent thinking..

Learner’s Model based on work of G.J. Puccio, M. Mance, M.C. Murdock, B. Miller, J. Vehar, R. Firestien, S. Thurber, & D. Nielsen (2011)

Explore the Vision.   Identify the goal, wish, or challenge.

Gather Data.   Describe and generate data to enable a clear understanding of the challenge.

Formulate Challenges. Sharpen awareness of the challenge and create challenge questions that invite solutions.

Explore Ideas. Generate ideas that answer the challenge questions.

Formulate Solutions. To move from ideas to solutions. Evaluate, strengthen, and select solutions for best “fit.”

Formulate a Plan.  Explore acceptance and identify resources and actions that will support implementation of the selected solution(s).

Explore Ideas. Generate ideas that answer the challenge question

Core Principles of Creative Problem Solving

• Everyone is creative.
• Divergent and Convergent Thinking Must be Balanced.  Keys to creativity are learning ways to identify and balance expanding and contracting thinking (done separately), and knowing  when  to practice them.
• Ask Problems as Questions.  Solutions are more readily invited and developed when  challenges and problems are restated as open-ended questions  with multiple possibilities. Such questions generate lots of rich information, while closed-ended questions tend to elicit confirmation or denial. Statements tend to generate limited or no response at all.
• Defer or Suspend Judgment.  As Osborn learned in his early work on brainstorming, the  instantaneous judgment in response to an idea shuts down idea generation . There is an appropriate and necessary time to apply judgement when converging.
• Focus on “Yes, and” rather than “No, but.”  When generating information and ideas, language matters.  “Yes, and…” allows continuation and expansion , which is necessary in certain stages of CPS. The use of the word “but” – preceded by “yes” or “no” – closes down conversation, negating everything that has come before it.

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Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking

Teachers can inspire outside-the-box thinking for students by using problem-based learning, art, music, and inquiry-based feedback.

Recently, I showed a group of students in my high school art class a film called Ma Vie En Rose ( My Life in Pink ), about a 7-year-old boy named Ludovic who identifies as female. Ludovic has an active imagination, but is bullied by both adults and other kids who are unnerved by his desire to wear dresses and play with dolls. The film challenged my students to broaden their understanding of gender and identity and led to a discussion about ways in which our imaginations are limited when we are forced to be who we are not. It reminded me of other stories in which a character is forced to choose an identity, such as the movie Divergent , based on the popular trilogy of novels by Veronica Roth.

In Divergent , a dystopian future society has been divided into five factions based on perceived virtues. Young people are forced to choose a faction as a rite of passage to becoming an adult. Tris, the story’s female hero, knows that choosing a faction might mean being cut off from family and friends forever, and wonders if she truly belongs to any one faction at all. Like Ludovic, Tris feels compelled to hide who she is, and knows that her behavior and ways of thinking might put herself and family at risk. Tris also knows that the most dangerous people in her society are considered those whose thinking is unrestricted and cannot be easily categorized—those people are called divergent.

Defining Divergent Thinking

The word divergent is partly defined as “tending to be different or develop in different directions.” Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking—what is usually referred to thinking outside the box, and is often associated with creativity. Convergent thinking, on the other hand, requires one to restrict ideas to those that might be correct or the best solution to a problem.

Studies suggest that, as children, our divergence capability is high, and decreases dramatically as we become adults. Perhaps this is as it should be to a certain degree, and as teachers and adults we would be concerned if our middle and high school students extended imaginative play into everyday life in the way a 4-year-old does. Yet many teachers at some point in their teaching career become frustrated by their students’ inability to think creatively, and others—exemplified by Sir Ken Robinson —blame schooling itself for killing the imagination.

Divergent behavior is discouraged in school when students are scared to say or do the “wrong thing” in class. This is not surprising since schools often tolerate environments in which both teachers and peer groups keep in check those who say and do things that are off-script, incorrect, or inappropriate. This system of overt convergence is enforced by a grading culture that systematically penalizes students for being “wrong,” and by allowing a school environment in which students tease those who exhibit non-normative behaviors. So if divergent thinking is key to being creative, it becomes clear why our students find being open with their imaginations and divergent ideas inhibited.

It must be said that there are valid reasons why divergent thinking is discouraged in our classrooms. Divergent thinking treats all ideas equally regardless of context or applicability and disregards rubrics, criteria, or any process for assessment. There are also situations when divergent behavior might actually cause physical harm, such as in chemistry class or on the playground, and we expect our students to display good judgment, or convergent thinking strategies, so that they can make correct decisions.

Teachers also might find divergent thinking and behavior a challenge when students ignore directions and rules, and, if we’re honest with ourselves, display personality traits that operate outside societal norms. These non-normative students, kids like the character Ludovic, who are transgender or who identify as atheists, for example, might be considered divergent in many of our communities. It’s up to us as school administrators and teachers to ensure that good judgment extends beyond what might be considered current social norms and take into account what’s best for our students’ spirits, humanity, and ultimate sense of belonging.

In the Classroom: Strategies

Ideally, divergent and convergent thinking work in harmony with each other. The geneplore model diagrams this relation between divergent, generative thinking and evaluative, convergent thinking. Helping our students understand these strategies and how they complement each other also encourages metacognitive learning so that students better understand their own thinking and creative abilities.

As an art teacher, my job is to foster an environment for creative work, and I believe the following five strategies might be useful for non-art teachers as well.

1. Reversing the question/answer paradigm:  Problem-based learning is derived from an approach developed for training medical students in Canada but has since been used in K–12 education and other project-based learning environments. The premise of it is simple: Instead of asking questions to which there is a correct answer, ask students to create the problem.

Students pose their problem by first tapping into their own wishes and goals that might have real-life results or be largely theoretical and in end in the modeling stages. Questions like “How can we grow vegetables without using pesticides?” and “How can we feed the world’s population in a sustainable way?” encourage students to think divergently.

2. Let the music play:  In my classroom, students serve as guest DJs and play their music when we're in the studio mode of our projects. I love the atmosphere music creates. I also know how “tribal” adolescents often see each other in terms of musical taste, so I introduce the guest DJ at the beginning of the term as a strategy for setting norms in the classroom in order to create an environment in which judgment of each other is deferred, restrained, and more thoughtful.

When students learn to defer judgment, the learning environment becomes open to other influences and ideas. When we’re not afraid of being immediately judged by our taste, we’re more likely to share ideas and opinions, and therefore become less afraid to be divergent in our thinking and behavior.

3. Inquiry-based feedback: Instead of value-based feedback, inquiry coupled with deep observation encourages a more open-ended and in-depth approach for evaluating students’ work. Students are encouraged to minimize expressing their likes and dislikes, and to first spend at least two minutes silently observing, and then asking questions prefixed by phrases such as, “I noticed that _____,” “Why did you _____,” and “How _____.”

4. Encourage play and manage failure:  When failure is framed more by reflection and iteration, and less by penalty and closure, we’re more likely to loosen up in our efforts and be less afraid to make mistakes. Then we can open up the environment for play and experimentation.

In my community art class, I prepare students to take risks in their projects by creating one-day exercises in which they engage with the public in a safe but unpredictable way. One example involves asking other students outside of class to have their photo taken. The scary aspect of being rejected is overcome, and students gain courage to open up and take risks. If rejection does occur, students have time to reflect and strategize in preparation for scaling up their ideas or projects.

5. Using art strategies: I use a few art strategies such as collage, readymade, and pareidolia to open up the divergent thinking part of the students’ brains. They become less concerned about exact interpretation and more open to poetry, metaphor, and dream imagery in general.

• Collage : When artfully done, brings disparate images together and finds relationships based on aesthetics, absurdity, or spatial arrangements—not their literal meaning or function in the real world. Once the images are de-coupled from their literal roles, this opens up to nonlinear thinking in general.
• Readymade : This involves taking ordinary objects and playfully renaming what they are or reimagining how they function. Marcel Duchamp had a famous example: taking a urinal, flipping it upside down, and calling it Fountain . I ask my students to do the same with ordinary objects around them—using the material, shape, or alternative functions of an object, they reimagine it.
• Pareidolia : A phenomenon of looking at an object and finding a semblance of something else that’s not really there, like seeing a dragon in the shape of a cloud, or noticing that a three-prong power outlet looks like a face. I show students the short animated film  The Deep by the artist Pes, in which ordinary objects are turned into mysterious sea creatures. I then ask them to take photos of examples of pareidolia around them. They have fun reinterpreting the world.

Divergent thinking strategies offer the possibility of doing more than fostering a creative classroom environment—they can also help us better understand and appreciate difference in all areas of our students’ lives. Young people like the fictional characters Ludovic and Tris might then find a world that’s more accepting, and we could benefit from the creative possibilities when young people are allowed to be who they are.

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Convergent Thinking

What is convergent thinking.

Convergent thinking is an ideation mode which designers use to analyze, filter, evaluate, clarify and modify ideas they have generated in divergent thinking . They use analytical, vertical and linear thinking to find novel and useful ideas, understand the design space possibilities and get closer to potential solutions.

“The best way to have good ideas is to have lots of ideas and throw away the bad ones.” — Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize-winning chemist, biochemist, chemical engineer, peace activist, author and educator

Convergent and divergent thinking

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Convergent Thinking – the Other Side of the Ideation “Coin”

After design teams generate as many ideas as possible in the divergent thinking part of ideation sessions, convergent thinking helps them systematically see whether their ideas might work as real-world solutions. The structure is to:

Sift through ideas.

Group them into themes.

Find common threads.

Decide on winners and losers.

Convergent thinking helps tighten your focus when evaluating each idea . For example, if your design problem concerns users with errands, one idea might be an app for users to control their cars remotely to send/collect goods. You’d then examine it through three lenses:

Desirability – “Would users want this?” (Or would they fear accidents, hacking, theft, etc.?)

Viability – “Could a brand mass-produce and support it?” (Or would it be unsustainable/too expensive?) 

Feasibility – “Is it doable?” (Or would security, sensory and emergency-backup features take years/decades to perfect?)

Then, considering state-of-the-art technology and other factors, you might abandon this idea as impracticable or shelve it for future consideration.

See Ideas in a New Light with Convergent Thinking

Convergent thinking isn’t a clinical process that automatically results in optimal solutions. Rather, you need a careful, creative mindset to:

Look past logical norms (which we use in everyday critical thinking);

See how an idea stands in relation to the problem; and

Understand the reality/dimensions of that problem.  

As you work more insightfully, you can begin to understand the idea in the context of what’s going on in the problem domain. And only with an accurate understanding of the problem can you determine the best criteria to judge an idea with . Otherwise, it’s easy to overlook the problem domain’s complexity and apply just your existing knowledge (e.g., “It looks like something that a mega menu could help with.”). Some dimensions of it may be unlike anything you’ll recognize. By studying problems and ideas on their own terms, though, you can avoid misidentifying them with assumptions.

Thinking convergently helps overcome many obstacles, even if alternative ideas can also cause problems. Sometimes, a clearer understanding might show you the best solution straightaway. Or you might use that understanding to generate new ideas and newer understandings. Whether you’re fine-tuning novel ideas through thought-provokingly fresh lenses or suddenly finding yourself inspired to work on a prototype to test, convergent thinking helps advance your creative process. That’s why it’s vital in a design process such as design thinking .

© Teo Yu Siang and Interaction Design Foundation, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

How to Use Convergent Thinking to Find Novel and Useful Ideas

Some techniques to help you focus creatively are:

Externalization – You sketch ideas to make all the tacit knowledge and underlying assumptions about your project visible and then identify that knowledge (including its limits) to help understand the problem domain.

Three-Way Comparisons – You compare three similar products to see how each differs from the other two.

More Specific and More General – You place some temporary constraints on your project to get a more specific overview to help you generate ideas, and you stand back to get a more abstract overview.

Embrace Opposites – You find overlaps between different categories or opposites to spot new design opportunities.

Multiple Classifications – You compare aspects of items using a matrix to widen your inspiration, spot market gaps, analyze trends and rules and examine related qualities.

Teasing Apart, Piecing Together (TAPT) – You break down an experience into its elements, reconstruct it with a better understanding of what’s involved and re-imagine it in a new context.

Learn More about Convergent Thinking

Take our Creativity course featuring convergent thinking and many templates.

This SEEK blog nicely shows how convergent thinking fits into ideation .

Read about convergent thinking at work in Prism Studio’s ideation process .

Answer a Short Quiz to Earn a Gift

What is the main purpose of convergent thinking in the design process?

• To evaluate ideas based on desirability, viability and feasibility
• To finalize the marketing strategy for a product
• To generate as many ideas as possible

How does convergent thinking differ from divergent thinking?

• Convergent thinking excludes any form of creativity.
• Convergent thinking generates many ideas and initial prototypes without judgment.
• Convergent thinking involves narrowing down ideas to the best ones.

Which technique is a common strategy in convergent thinking to refine ideas?

• Brainstorm without constraints
• Maintain a single perspective throughout the ideation process
• Use a three-way comparison to evaluate similar products

What is a typical challenge in convergent thinking?

• Designers primarily use it in the early stages of the design process.
• It may overlook unique ideas that do not initially seem viable.
• It only focuses on technological feasibility.

What is a key benefit of convergent thinking in design?

• It allows for unrestricted creative expression.
• It helps pinpoint solutions that are both novel and applicable.
• It preserves all ideas for future consideration.

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Literature on Convergent Thinking

Here’s the entire UX literature on Convergent Thinking by the Interaction Design Foundation, collated in one place:

Learn more about Convergent Thinking

Take a deep dive into Convergent Thinking with our course Creativity: Methods to Design Better Products and Services .

The overall goal of this course is to help you design better products, services and experiences by helping you and your team develop innovative and useful solutions. You’ll learn a human-focused, creative design process.

We’re going to show you what creativity is as well as a wealth of ideation methods ―both for generating new ideas and for developing your ideas further. You’ll learn skills and step-by-step methods you can use throughout the entire creative process. We’ll supply you with lots of templates and guides so by the end of the course you’ll have lots of hands-on methods you can use for your and your team’s ideation sessions. You’re also going to learn how to plan and time-manage a creative process effectively.

Most of us need to be creative in our work regardless of if we design user interfaces, write content for a website, work out appropriate workflows for an organization or program new algorithms for system backend. However, we all get those times when the creative step, which we so desperately need, simply does not come. That can seem scary—but trust us when we say that anyone can learn how to be creative­ on demand . This course will teach you ways to break the impasse of the empty page. We'll teach you methods which will help you find novel and useful solutions to a particular problem, be it in interaction design, graphics, code or something completely different. It’s not a magic creativity machine, but when you learn to put yourself in this creative mental state, new and exciting things will happen.

In the “Build Your Portfolio: Ideation Project” , you’ll find a series of practical exercises which together form a complete ideation project so you can get your hands dirty right away. If you want to complete these optional exercises, you will get hands-on experience with the methods you learn and in the process you’ll create a case study for your portfolio which you can show your future employer or freelance customers.

Your instructor is Alan Dix . He’s a creativity expert, professor and co-author of the most popular and impactful textbook in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Alan has worked with creativity for the last 30+ years, and he’ll teach you his favorite techniques as well as show you how to make room for creativity in your everyday work and life.

You earn a verifiable and industry-trusted Course Certificate once you’ve completed the course. You can highlight it on your resume , your LinkedIn profile or your website .

All open-source articles on Convergent Thinking

Design thinking, essential problem solving 101- it’s more than scientific.

• 7 years ago

Understand the Elements and Thinking Modes that Create Fruitful Ideation Sessions

• 4 years ago

Convergence – How to Be Creative Through Analytical Thinking

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