The TILMAG method (Transformation of Ideal Solution Elements by Matrices of Association and Commonality) is a creativity technique developed by the Battelle Institute in Frankfurt am Main. It is a simplified and less abstract variation of (classical) synectics.
The goal of the TILMAG method is to generate solution ideas for a problem by forming analogies and associations.
This first requires a comprehensive analysis and definition of the problem. Subsequently, the desired “ideal” elements of potential solutions are elaborated. It should be noted that the “ideal” elements are given the shortest and most concise terms possible. The ideal solution elements are then contrasted with spontaneous associations in an association matrix.
The associated terms are then contrasted in a commonality matrix. In this, commonalities between the associations and possible solutions are sought and, based on this, solution approaches are derived. Here, only positive commonalities may be recorded, i.e. structural elements that both associated terms actually have.
The advantage of this method compared to synectics is that solution ideas are systematically generated by means of the targeted formation of stimulus words.
