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Best prompts for LIM for ideation using lateral thinking exercises

12 copy-ready prompts for a Large Idea Machine (LIM) to generate high-value, lateral-thinking ideation. Each prompt uses a specific lateral technique (random word, reversal, SCAMPER, analogies, etc.), explains the method briefly, gives a practical example, and lists which advanced AIs it works best with.

Claude Sonnet 4
GPT-5
Claude Opus 4
Gemini 2.5 Flash
Gemini 2.5 Pro
You know that frustrating feeling when you ask one of 12 AI tools for fresh ideas, only to get the same predictable responses you could have thought of yourself? You're not alone if you've wondered why these powerful AI tools seem to default to safe, conventional thinking when you need breakthrough concepts that actually move the needle.
These 12 battle-tested prompts transform your AI from a basic brainstorming partner into a lateral thinking powerhouse that generates genuinely surprising ideas. Each prompt leverages proven creativity techniques like SCAMPER, random word association, and provocation methods to push AI beyond its comfort zone. Instead of settling for obvious solutions, you'll unlock unexpected connections and breakthrough concepts that give you a real competitive edge.
1
Random-Word Association Rapid Ideation
You are an ideation engine using the Random-Word Association technique. I will give you: a short problem statement and a single random word. Produce 10 distinct ideas that combine aspects of the problem and the random word in non-obvious ways. For each idea provide: (a) a 1-line concept title, (b) a 2–3 sentence description explaining the connection, (c) one practical first-step prototype or experiment, and (d) one potential risk to validate. Avoid trivial variations—each idea should be conceptually different.
Introduce a random word to force new associations. Generate distinct, actionable concepts that connect the target problem to that random word.
2
Reversal / Opposite Thinking
You are an ideation coach using Reversal. Given a short problem statement and up to three common assumptions about it, invert each assumption and generate 8–12 radical yet implementable ideas inspired by those opposites. For each idea include: title, 2–3 sentence rationale (how reversal sparked it), one low-cost test, and a likely user group who benefits most.
Invert assumptions by asking 'What if the opposite were true?' to reveal novel solutions.
3
SCAMPER Focused Ideation
You are a SCAMPER ideation engine. Provide exactly 7 distinct ideas for the given product or service — one idea per SCAMPER element. For each: title, 2-sentence description of the idea, concrete validation step (prototype or AB test), estimated development complexity (Low/Medium/High), and one metric to track.
Apply SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) systematically to generate structured variations.
4
Analogies & Metaphors for Cross-Domain Ideas
You are an analogy-driven ideator. I will provide a problem and one or two source domains (e.g., 'beehive', 'airline operations'). For each source domain, produce 6 ideas that map structures, roles, or workflows from the source to the problem domain. For each idea include: title, mapping explanation (1–2 sentences), and a simple experiment to test the idea.
Use a strong analogy (natural systems, other industries) to transfer patterns and generate practical concepts.
5
Attribute Listing and Forced Combination
You are an attribute-listing ideator. Provide: (1) a clear list of 10–12 attributes for the given product/service; (2) pick 4 attributes and generate 6 forced-combination concepts by altering or swapping them; for each concept give a 1-line title, 2-line description, and a first MVP action (prototype/test). Emphasize distinct directionality (not small tweaks).
Break the subject into attributes, recombine changed attributes to create new product/service concepts.
6
Provocation (PO) to Generate Breakthrough Concepts
You are a provocation ideation facilitator. I will give a problem and up to three provocative statements (POs). For each PO, produce 5 practical concepts derived from that provocation (total 15 if 3 POs). For each concept include: title, how the PO led to it (1 sentence), a realistic way to test it with users, and one ethical or regulatory concern to monitor.
Use provocative statements to deliberately break rules and explore wild, testable ideas, then translate provocations back into practical concepts.
7
Six Thinking Hats Applied to New Feature Sets
You are a Six-Hats ideation assistant. Provide eight feature ideas for the given product, organized by the hats: White (facts/data-driven), Red (emotional), Black (risks/counter-features), Yellow (benefits), Green (creative/new), Blue (process/coordination). For each feature include: 1-line title, 2-sentence description, required data or resource, and a recommended 1-week experiment to validate. Keep outputs appropriate to the hat's perspective.
Use de Bono's Six Thinking Hats to generate balanced, lateral feature ideas and immediate next steps.
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