When to use?

Assumption reversal is a left brain technique that should be used to introduce the ideas of visionary techniques to a group that is unsure of their creative capabilities. Most people feel most comfortable using their left brain, so this technique builds confidence in their creativity and gradually breaks them into the creative thinking process. Once this technique has been introduced and exercised to its fullest capacity, other visionary techniques can then be introduced for further creative thinking and exploring.

How to use?

Participants are asked to write down their assumptions about the problem or issue that they are facing. The assumptions are simple statements about the way things are. Then the participants are asked to reverse the assumptions and ask themselves "could the reverse also be true?"

Examples:

Assumption 1 - patients go to the hospital.
Assumption Reversal 1 - the hospital goes to the patients.
Assumption Reversal 1 is now called the "hospital without walls."

This visionary technique rests upon the following ideas:

1. All assumptions are false.
2. All assumptions are limiting.
3. All assumptions are reversible.
4. You have to make assumptions.

So what?

The future is often a reverse of the assumptions of the present. Reverse current perspectives and actions and you have a generated a vision of what could be. Assumptions structure social reality. Change your assumptions and you change your reality. Different assumptions produce different consequences. If you like the consequences, you should accept the new assumptions. If the reversed assumption reduces cost, increases quality and improves access, go with it. If the consequence produces the opposite, discard it. Typically, a group has great fun with this visionary technique. It results in vigorous exchanges over the possibility of the reversals.