How does the concept of divergent and convergent thinking apply to case interviews?

In case interviews, divergent thinking is used initially to generate a wide range of possible solutions or approaches to the problem at hand. This is where you let your creativity and imagination run wild, considering all possible angles and not limiting yourself to conventional or obvious solutions. Once a sufficient number of ideas have been generated, you then switch to convergent thinking. This is where you critically evaluate each of the generated ideas, using logic and analytical skills to narrow down the options to the most practical and effective solutions. This process of divergent and convergent thinking allows for a comprehensive approach to problem-solving in case interviews.

Question was asked on:

Divergent thinking is also known as the generative or flaring phase. At this point, let your imagination flow, anything goes. This is when quantity matters more than quality. Once enough ideas have been collected, we then transition into convergent thinking, also known as the selective or focusing phase. This is when hard cold logic and critical thinking reign supreme. Use this occasion to narrow down the collection of ideas into only the practical few. In fact, this interplay between divergent and convergent thinking has taken up a critical role in product discovery, with an emphasis on rapid iterations.

Asked on the following presentation:

Brainstorming Techniques

How can you accelerate the cerebral engines that power those “Aha!” moments? And what sets a good idea apart from just any average idea? Whether it’s ...

file_save

Download free weekly presentations