A method for parallel thinking, allowing a group to look at a problem from different perspectives one at a time.
Focuses on data and information. What do we know? What are the facts?
Focuses on feelings, intuition, and gut reactions. No justification needed.
The "devil's advocate" hat. Focuses on risks, caution, and potential problems.
The optimist hat. Focuses on benefits, value, and positive outcomes.
The creative hat. Focuses on new ideas, possibilities, and alternatives.
The process control hat. Manages the thinking process, sets the agenda, and summarizes.