Synectic Trigger Mechanisms by Nicholas Roukes:


Subtract
THINK: What can be eliminated, reduced, or disposed of? How can you simplify, abstract, stylize, abbreviate, omit or remove elements of the original?


Repeat
THINK: How can you repeat a shape, color, form, image or idea to reiterate, echo, restate, duplicate or reference your subject in some way?


Combine
THINK: How can you connect, arrange, link, unify, mix, merge, rearrange? How can you combine ideas, materials, or techniques?


Add
THINK: What can you extend, expand, augment, supplement or magnify? What else can be added to your image, idea, object or material?


Superimpose
THINK: In what ways(s) can you overlap, cover, and overlay your subject/object to produce new images, ideas or meanings? How might you superimpose dissimilar images or ideas? How can you superimpose several views of the same object to create different moments in time?


Change Scale
THINK: How can you change the size, proportion, ratio or dimensions to reflect a new idea or meaning.


Fragment
THINK: How can you split, chop, divide, dissect, or otherwise disassemble to make your subject appear discontinuous?


Distort
THINK: How can you twist your subject out of its true shape, proportion or meaning? Can you make it longer, fatter, and narrower, melt it, burn it, crush it, spill something on it, crack it, tear it, or subject it to another ‘torture’?


Parody
THINK: How can you ridicule, mock, caricaturize, or make fun of your subject? How can you make zany, comic or ludicrous references?


Symbolize
THINK: What can you do to your subject/object to make it into a symbolic image? What can you do to make it a public symbol or a private metaphor?


Mythologize
THINK: How can you transform your subject/object into an iconic image, ie: Coca-cola bottle, Brillo pads….?


 

Synectic Trigger Mechanisms