turn a problem into evaluated solutions, layer by layer

0 · Frame the problem

Get the problem right before generating anything. A sharp frame is worth more than a hundred ideas.

Example: first-time customers aged 60+, on mobile
Example: no new login step; ship in 6 weeks
No seed terms yet.

1 · Diverge — gather sparks

For each seed term, pull in associated concepts. Judgment OFF — quantity now, quality later.

Set a frame in step 0 first.

Spark pool

Empty — add sparks above.

2 · Break convention

Force the non-obvious. Collide distant sparks and apply provocations; capture whatever ideas they suggest.

Random collision

— add sparks in step 1 first.

Provocations

Ideas so far

No ideas captured yet.

3 · Cover the space

Make sure you haven't missed combinations. Define a few dimensions, list options for each, then assemble combinations into ideas.

Dimensions

Examples: who delivers it · when it happens · what it costs

Assemble a combination

Add at least one dimension with options above.

4 · Converge — judge honestly

Now judgment ON. Score every candidate, and try to dissolve the key trade-off rather than accept it.

Score the candidates

Each criterion 0–5. Total out of 25.

No candidates yet — generate some in steps 2–3.

Dissolve a trade-off

Pick an idea, name the contradiction (improving X worsens Y), then open whichever resolution lenses bite. You don't need all eight — each one you use keeps its own notes against that idea.

A refined idea is one that beats the trade-off instead of splitting it.

5 · Result

The end product: your shortlist, ranked, with the framed problem and next steps — ready to export.

About & provenance

Brainchurn implements general, non-proprietary creativity techniques (problem framing, divergent association, lateral provocation, morphological combination, weighted evaluation, contradiction-resolution heuristics). It contains no third-party word database and reuses no copyrighted text. The optional "Open data" engine queries the free Datamuse API live; the "AI bridge" uses your own AI; "Offline" uses only your input. Working name "Brainchurn" is a placeholder pending a trademark search. Not affiliated with any existing product.