What is lateral thinking?
Lateral thinking is a way of approaching problems by breaking patterns, questioning the obvious and seeking alternative paths to a solution. It was popularised by Edward de Bono in the 1960s with the aim of fostering creativity in decision-making.
Rather than following a logical, linear process, as with vertical thinking, lateral thinking encourages conceptual leaps, shifts in perspective and unexpected connections between ideas.
Origin and definition of the concept
Edward de Bono coined the term ‘lateral thinking’ to describe a way of thinking that breaks with convention. His approach was based on the idea that, to solve certain problems, it is not enough to delve deeper into the same line of reasoning; rather, it is necessary to change one’s perspective – to view things from different angles.
This methodology has been widely used in education, business, technological innovation and artistic creativity, becoming a key tool for those who need to find original solutions.
Differences between vertical and lateral (also known as horizontal) thinking
Although both types of thinking aim to solve problems, their approaches and applications are very different.
Characteristic | Vertical Thinking | Lateral or Horizontal Thinking |
Approach | Logical and sequential | Creative and divergent |
Method | Follow established steps until a solution is reached | Change perspective and generate unexpected ideas |
Objective | To explore a line of reasoning in depth (linear approach) | Generate multiple alternative paths |
Risk taken | Low, seeks certainty | High, accepts uncertainty |
Example | Solving a maths problem using familiar formulas | Finding a new use for an everyday object |
Definition and characteristics of vertical thinking
Vertical thinking is the most common method and is characterised by following a structured, logical and hierarchical process. It is very useful when the solution requires precision and accuracy, such as in mathematical calculations or technical procedures.
Definition and characteristics of lateral thinking
Lateral thinking, on the other hand, encourages the exploration of possibilities outside the usual line of reasoning. It invites us to break assumed rules, change our perspective and consider ideas that may at first seem unconventional or inconceivable.
Examples of lateral thinking
Everyday and academic examples
Improvising in the face of the unexpected: If a button comes off before a meeting and you use a paperclip as a temporary fastening, you have applied lateral thinking.
Making the most of resources in class: A teacher who reuses materials for different activities is also using this skill.
Exercises and puzzles to practise it
Lateral thinking puzzles are an excellent way to train the mind. For example, try solving the following:
A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun and points it at him. The man says ‘thank you’ and leaves.
What has happened here?
These exercises stimulate creativity and help you spot connections that aren’t immediately obvious. What solutions can you think of? We’ll give you the answer at the end of this article.
Lateral thinking puzzles and how to solve them
In educational settings
In education, one of the most common problems is that lateral thinking isn’t always encouraged in the classroom. The system may prioritise correct answers and established processes, leaving less scope for exploring different ideas. One solution is to incorporate activities and games that encourage creativity, something that can be developed in degree programmes such as the Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
In professional and creative settings
In the workplace, lateral thinking can be constrained by rigid structures or a fear of making mistakes. Here, the key is to create safe spaces where experimentation is valued and the exchange of ideas is encouraged without prejudice.
Lateral thinking questions to stimulate creativity
Open-ended and divergent questions
Open-ended questions do not have a single answer and encourage exploration. Examples:
- How could you teach a child the concept of gravity without using words?
- If you had to redesign a classroom to encourage collaboration, how would you do it?
Mental challenges
You can set yourself daily challenges that force you to think differently, such as finding five different uses for an everyday object or solving classic creativity puzzles.
How to develop lateral thinking
Techniques and strategies
- Change of perspective: Approach a problem from someone else’s point of view.
- Analogies: Link the problem to seemingly unrelated situations.
- Reversing the problem: How could you make something worse in order to find opposite solutions? For example, the objective: to drive more traffic to my website. How can I make it worse to achieve the opposite? Well: by having a poor design, ensuring slow loading times and producing plagiarised content. By thinking the opposite of that, we can find ways to improve: creating a good design, ensuring fast loading times, and producing original content.
- Mind map: Visualise ideas and connections without a strict hierarchical order.
These techniques are studied and applied in advanced programmes such as the Online Master’s in Educational Psychology , where the development of creativity is key to educational intervention.
Personal and professional benefits
Developing lateral thinking improves your adaptability, fosters innovation and enhances your ability to find effective solutions to complex problems. In the professional sphere, it is particularly valuable in leadership, education and entrepreneurship.
Lateral thinking as a tool for creative problem-solving
Lateral thinking is not just a skill, but a way of looking at the world. It allows you to break out of mental patterns, explore alternative paths and discover original solutions that others might overlook. Applying it in education, at work or in your personal life can make the difference between solving a problem in a predictable way and finding an innovative solution that brings real value.
Oh… and as for the riddle from earlier, here’s the answer: the man had the hiccups, and the fright made them go away.
