Yo-yo and Six Thinking Hats: Difference between pages

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{{lowercase|Six Thinking Hats}}
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[[Image:Yo-yo.png|thumb|Coca-Cola yo-yo from the 1960s.|235px|right]]
The '''yo-yo''' is a [[toy]] consisting of two equally sized and weighted disks of [[plastic]], [[wood]], or [[metal]], connected with an [[axle]], with a string tied around it. First becoming popular in the [[1920s]], "yo-yoing" is still enjoyed by children and adults alike.


More commonly known as "Six Hats" or "Six Thinking Hats" this method is a thinking tool that has found widespread use in the UK business world and non-profit sector. The tool, combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way. The method is attributed to Dr. Edward de Bono and is the subject of his book, ''Six Thinking Hats''.
== Basic play ==
[[Image:Yo-yo strings.jpg|thumb|right|A bundle of yo-yo strings. The inset shows that each string is made of a single strand, twisted back upon itself. The yo-yo axle rests in the loop formed by the closed end of the string.]]


Whatever the origin of the method it is finding widespread use in the UK innovation sector, being offered by numerous facilitation companies and having been trialled within the UK civil service<ref>Kamal S. Birdi, No idea? Evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training, Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 29 No. 2, 2005, pp. 102-111, Emerald Group Publishing Limited</ref>
The yo-yo has been used for many centuries. To use, the player pulls the string through the loop to make a slipknot, puts his/her finger through the slipknot at the end of the string and grasps the yo-yo.


== Underlying Principles ==
Generally, the player does not put the slipknot any farther up his/her finger than the first knuckle from the tip. Then the player throws it downwards with a smooth light motion. When it reaches the end of the string, the yo-yo can be made to "sleep," the axle of the yo-yo spinning within a loop of string. As the body of the yo-yo spins, a [[gyroscope|gyroscopic]] effect occurs, stabilizing the yo-yo on its [[Rotation|axis]] and permitting time to perform a number of movements. By flicking the wrist, the yo-yo can be made to return to the player's hand, with the string again completely twisted into the groove.


The premise of the method is that the human brain thinks in a number of distinct ways which can be identified, deliberately accessed and hence planned for use in a structured way allowing one to develop strategies for thinking about particular issues. Dr de Bono identifies five distinct states in which the brain can be "sensitised". In each of these states the brain will identify and bring into conscious thought certain aspects of issues being considered (e.g. gut instinct, pessimistic judgement, neutral facts).
Generally, any movement or combination of movements which result in the return of the yo-yo to the player's hand in this fashion is considered a [[trick]], although this is not an absolute standard. Some tricks (such as the "Dog Bite", where the yo-yo is stuck to the player's pants) do not have the yo-yo return to your hand. Gay people love yoyos


Perhaps the most compelling example presented is the idea of sensitivity to "mismatch" stimuli as a particularly strong tendency. This is presented as being a valuable survival instinct - because in the natural world the thing that is out of the ordinary may well be dangerous. This is identified as the root of negative judgement and critical thinking.
Yo-yoing is a popular pastime around the world. Although generally associated with children, it is common for people who gain a level of proficiency at the sport in youth to continue playing into adulthood. A yo-yo player is referred to as a ''yo-yoer'' (most common), ''yoer'', ''yoist'', ''thrower''," ''a flinger''" or simply as a ''player''.


Six distinct states are identified
== History ==
Neutrality (white) - considering purely what information is available, what are the facts?
Feeling (Red) - instinctive gut reaction or statements of emotional feeling (but not any justification)
Negative judgement (Black) - logic applied to identifying flaws or barriers, seeking mismatch
Positive Judgement (Yellow) - logic applied to identifying benefits, seeking harmony
Creative thinking (Green) - statements of provocation and investigation, seeing where a thought goes
Process control (Blue) - thinking about thinking


In order to make it easier to clearly identify and work with these states the use of coloured hats as metaphors for them is used; each state is [[symbol]]ised by the act of putting on a colored [[hat]], either actually or imaginatively. The use of these metaphors also allows more complete and elaborate definition of the states thus getting past the preconceptions inherent in using peoples current language.
[[Image:Yo-yo player Antikensammlung Berlin F2549.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Boy playing terracotta yo-yo, [[Attica|Attic]] [[kylix]], ca. 440 BC, [[Antikensammlung Berlin]] (F 2549)]]


Furthermore Dr de Bono asserts that these states are associated with distinct chemical states of the brain - although no details or evidence of this are presented.
The yo-yo is thought to have originated in China, most likely traveling from there to Greece where it is first mentioned in historical records from c.500 B.C. These records describe toys made out of wood, metal, or painted terra cotta (clay). The terra cotta disks were used to ceremonially offer the toys of youth to certain gods when a child came of age&mdash;discs of other materials were used for actual play. Philippine historical records indicate that 16th century hunters hiding in trees used a rock tied to a cord up to 20 feet in length to throw at wild animals beneath them&mdash;the cord enabling retrieval of the rock after missed attempts. Some have theorized that this was the basis of the yo-yo, but it is more likely that the yo-yo traveled from China not only to Greece, but also to the Philippines.<ref name=spintastics1996>{{Citation
|url=http://www.spintastics.com/HistoryOfYoYo.asp
|title=History Of The Yo-Yo
|author=Valerie Oliver
|publisher=Spintastics Skill Toys
|year=1996
|accessdate=|accessdate=2008-05-31}} (includes photos)</ref>


== Parallel thinking ==
The earliest surviving yo-yo dates to 500 BC, and is made using [[Terra cotta]] disks. A Greek vase from this period shows a boy playing yo-yo.<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.yo-yo.com/history_noflash.asp
|title=History
|publisher=yo-yo.com
|accessdate=2008-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.spintastics.com/HistoryOfYoYo.asp
|title=History Of The Yo-Yo
|author=Valerie Oliver
|publisher=Spintastics Skill Toys
|year=1996
|accessdate=|accessdate=2008-02-18}} (includes photos)
</ref>


In ordinary, unstructured thinking this process is unfocussed; the thinker leaps from critical thinking to neutrality to optimism and so on without structure or strategy. As individuals we are used to this and develop our own habits unconsciously. sometimes these are effective, other time not. What is certain is that when thinking in a group these individual strategiew will not tend to converge. as a tesult discussion will not tend to converge. and due to the power of the ego and the identified predilection to black hat thinking in the majority of western culture, this can lead to very destructive meetings. Even with good coutesy and clear shared objectives in any collaborative thinking activity there is a natural tendancy for "spaghetti thinking" where one person is thinking about the benefits whilst another considers the facts and so on. The hats allow this to be avoided so that everyone together considers the problems, or the benefits, or the facts, reducing distractions and supporting cross pollination of thought. this is achieved because everyone will put on e.g. the white hat together, then they will all put on the next hat together. in this way all present think in the same way at the same time. the only exception being the facilitator who will tend to keep the blue hat on all the time to make sure things progress efectively
=== Origin of name and the Filipino/Philippine yo-yo ===
[[Image:1791-Yo-Yo-Bandalore.jpg|thumb|left|180px|1791 illustration of a woman playing with an early version of the yo-yo, then known as a "bandalore".]]


==Strategies and Programs==
A popular belief is that the yo-yo was a weapon for over 400 years in the Philippines.<ref>{{Citation
Having identified the six states that can be accessed, distinct programs can be created, these are sequences of hats which encompass and structure the thinking process toward a distinct goal. A number of these are included in the materials provided to support the franchised training of the six hats method, however it is often necessary to adapt them to suit an individual purpose. Also, programs are often "emergent" which is to say that you might plan the first few hats then the facilitator will see what seems to be the right way to go.
|url=http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120297.htm
Sequences always begin and end with a blue hat; the group agrees together how they will htink, then they do the thinking, then they evaluate the outcomes of that thinking and what they should do next.
|title=The History of the Yo-Yo
Sequences (and indeed hats) may be used by individuals working alone or in groups.
|author=Mary Bellis
|publisher=inventors.about.com
|accessdate=2008-03-09}}
</ref>
However, the idea was debunked by the former president of the Filipino American National Historical Society<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://personal.anderson.ucla.edu/eloisa.borah/filfaqs.htm#yoyo
|title=Was the Yo-Yo really a weapon?
|author=Eloisa Gomez Borah
|accessdate=2008-03-09}}
</ref>
and by the chairman of the American Yo-Yo Association’s History and Collecting Committee.<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.yo-yos.net/Yo-yo%20history.htm
|title=Lucky’s History of the Yo-Yo
|author=Lucky Meisenheimer, M.D
|publisher=Yo-Yos.net
|accessdate=2008-03-09}}
</ref> Nonetheless, the allegation was used in a [[Diet Mountain Dew]] commercial in [[2008]] as part of the drink's "Surprising Facts" ad campaign.<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://dewcrew.repnation.com/ShareVideo.aspx?r=6803e4f0-25f1-4db5-9e02-95f381c0fbb5&i=2
|title=Diet Mountain Dew Surprising Facts - Yo-Yo Spot
|publisher=RepNation
|accessdate=2008-03-30}}</ref>


'''Example programs'''
The principal distinction between the Filipino design and more primitive yoyos is in the way the yo-yo is strung. In older (and some remaining inexpensive) yoyo designs, the string is tied to the axle using a knot. With this technique, the yoyo just goes "back-and-forth"; it returns easily, but it is impossible, or nearly so, to make it "sleep".


Initial Ideas - Blue, White, Green, Blue<br />
In the Filipino design, one continuous piece of string, double the desired length, is twisted around itself to produce a loop at one end which is fitted around the axle. Also termed a ''looped slip-string'', this seemingly minor modification allows for a far greater variety and sophistication of motion, thanks to increased stability and suspension of movement during free spin.
Choosing between alternatives - Blue, white,(Green), Yellow, Black, Red, Blue<br />
identifying solutions - Blue, White, Black, Green, Blue<br />
Quick Feedback - Blue, Black, Green, Blue<br />
Strategic Planning - blue, yellow, black, white, blue, green, blue<br />
Process Improvement - Blue, White, White (Other peoples views), Yellow, black, green, red, blue<br />
Solving Problems - Blue, White, Green, Red, Yellow, Black, Green, Blue<br />
Performance Review - Blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black, Green Red, Blue


== More Hat details and examples ==
Surprisingly, this innovation in the string design is useful even for "off-string" yoyo play, in which the yoyo is not attached to the string at all. The looped winding ensures that the free end of the string has no bulges, splices, or other non-uniformities, which can cause the string to jam uncontrollably in off-string play.
Included below is a brief description of each of the hats and the thinking processes that they represent. Their use is illustrated through the analysis of a simple classroom issue - "Students are talking while their teacher is talking".<ref>Adapted from http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/manage/sixhats120800.html</ref>


=== Birth of the modern yo-yo ===
===White hat – facts===
Participants make statements of fact, including identifying information that is absent and presenting the views of people who are not present in a factual manner.
[[Image:yoyo patent 1866.png|thumbnail|180px|right|U.S. patent #59745.]]


* Students are talking while the teacher is talking
James L. Haven and Charles Hettrich (or Hettrick) received the first [[United States]] [[patent]] on "...an improved construction of the toy, commonly called a bandelore..." in 1866.<ref>{{US patent|59745}} dated [[November 20]] [[1866]]</ref>
* There is noise and therefore other students are distracted and can’t hear the teacher
* Students don’t know what to do once instructions are given
* Many students become distracted and off task resulting in the failure to complete work
* Not understanding the focused lecture due to lack of concentration


===Red hat – emotions===
However, the yo-yo would remain in relative anonymity until 1928 when a [[Filipino Americans|Filipino American]] named [[Pedro Flores (Yo-yo manufacture)|Pedro Flores]] opened the '''Yo-yo Manufacturing Company''' in [[Santa Barbara, California]].<ref name=flores>{{Citation
Participants state their feelings, exercising their gut instincts. In many cases this is a method for harvesting ideas - reducing lists of many options into a few to focus on by allowing each participant to vote for the ones they prefer. It is applied more quickly than the other hats to ensure it is a [[gut reaction]] feeling that is recorded.
|url=http://www.nationalyoyo.org/museum/pedroflores.htm
|title=Pedro Flores
|publisher=National Yo-Yo Museum
|accessdate=2008-02-18}}</ref> The business started with a dozen handmade toys; by November 1928, Flores was operating two additional factories in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] and [[Hollywood]], which altogether employed 600 workers and produced 300,000 units daily.<ref name=flores />


=== The Duncan era ===
* The teacher feels offended
* Students become frustrated because they can’t hear directions
Shortly thereafter (''ca.'' 1930), an entrepreneur named [[Donald Duncan]] recognized the potential of this new fad and purchased the Flores Yo-yo Corporation and all its assets, including the Flores name, which was transferred to the new company in 1932. Duncan's first yo-yo thereafter was the Duncan O-BOY. [[Donald Duncan]] is reputed to have paid more than $250,000, a fortune by [[Great Depression|depression era]] standards. It turned out to be a sound investment, making many times this amount in the years to follow.
* Those talking enjoy joking around and being heard.
* It represents emotional thinking of a person.


===Black hat – negative judgement ===
In 1946, the [[Duncan Toys Company]] opened a Yo-yo factory in [[Luck, Wisconsin]], prompting the town to dub itself 'Yo-yo Capital of the World'. Ironically, the very sign erected by the town advertising that fact contributed to Duncan losing its trademark.
Participants identify barriers, hazards, risks and other negative connotations. This is critical thinking, looking for problems and mismatches.


* Time is wasted
=== 1960s resurgence ===
* Learning is compromised
Declining sales after the [[World War II|Second World War]] prompted Duncan to launch a comeback campaign for his trademarked "Yo-Yo" in 1962 with a series of [[television]] [[advertising|advertisements]]. The media blitz was met with unprecedented success, and thanks in great part to the introduction of the Duncan Butterfly, the yo-yo was more accessible to the beginner than ever.
* Those speaking feel that black hat listeners do not respect them and do not wish to hear what they are saying
* Flow of discussion is less clear


===Yellow hat – positive judgement===
This success would be short-lived, however, and in a landmark [[trademark]] case in 1965, a federal court's appeals ruled in favor of the Royal Tops Company, determining that ''yo-yo'' had become a part of common speech and that Duncan no longer had exclusive rights to the term. As a result of the expenses incurred by this legal battle as well as other financial pressures, the Duncan family sold the company name and associated trademarks in 1968 to [[Flambeau Plastics]], who had manufactured Duncan's plastic models since 1955. Flambeau Plastics continues to run the company today.
Participants identify benefits of an idea or method. This is the opposite of black hat thinking and looks for the reasons to do things.


* Everyone is able to say what is on their minds.
=== The 1970s and the rise of the ball bearing ===
* It can be fun.
* Not only the ‘smart kids’ get to speak.
* One doesn’t have to wait to share their ideas and therefore risk forgetting information.


===Green hat – alternatives and creativity===
[[Image:Metallyoyos.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Modern yo-yos.]]
This is the hat of thinking new thoughts. It is based around the idea of provocation and thinking for the sake of identifying new possibilities. Things are said for the sake of seeing what they might mean, rather than to form a judgement. This is often carried out on black hat statements in order to identify how to get past the barriers or failings identified there.


* Teacher will be more aware about the amount of time they spend talking
The 1970s saw a number of innovations in yo-yo technology, primarily dealing with the connection between the string and the axle. In 1978, dentist and yo-yo celebrity [[Tom Kuhn]] patented the “No Jive 3-in-1” yo-yo, creating the world's first "take-apart" yo-yo, which enabled yo-yo players to change the axle.
* Teacher will try to incorporate interaction from a variety of different students rather than just the ‘smart kids’
* Students will resist the urge to say whatever is on their mind. They will think about what they have to say and whether it is relevant to the topic
* Students will take into account whether their comment will interfere with other people's learning
* Students will think of new ways to communicate rather than talking in class, for example, talk on ''[[MSN Messenger]]''
* Students will be able to develop ideas as a result of being creative in class


===Blue hat – process control (thinking about thinking)===
Soon afterwards in 1980, [[Michael Caffrey]] patented what would later become the Yomega Brain, a yo-yo with a centrifugal clutch transaxle. Designed with a free-spinning ball bearing linkage, "The Brain" could spin much longer than previous fixed-axle designs.<ref>{{US patent|4332102}} Filed [[October 27]], [[1980]]; Issued [[June 1]], [[1982]]</ref> In addition, the axle was "clutched" with spring-loaded weights which would pull away from the axle at higher speeds and grab again at lower speeds. The result is an automatic return of the yo-yo when speed drops below a given threshold.
This is the hat under which all participants discuss the thinking process. The facilitator will generally wear it throughout and each member of the team will put it on from time to time to think about directing their work together.


* Teacher learns that they need to monitor the amount of time that they spend talking within the classroom
Swedish bearing company [[SKF]] briefly manufactured novelty yo-yos with [[ball bearings]] in the 1970s.
* Teacher needs to involve all students within discussions
* Teacher needs to recognize that some students need thinking time before responding. Allowing these students time to compute solutions promotes wider participation and increased learning
* Students realize that their talking makes the speaker feel unappreciated and disrespected
* Students realize that their comments are jeopardizing the learning of other individuals
* Students realize that talking out of time demonstrates a lack of self-discipline and that not all comments require sharing


==Application Method==
In all transaxle yo-yos, ball bearings significantly reduce friction when the yo-yo is spinning, enabling longer and more complex tricks. Subsequent yo-yoers used this ability to their advantage, creating new tricks that had not been possible with fixed-axle designs.
Whilst the ideas of the hats themselves provides significant benefits, there is more to the six hats method as applied within de Bono thinking systems and as trained under his franchise. in particular the pace at which the hats are used is highly relevant.


Typically in use a project will begin with an extended white hat action, as everyone gets "on the same page" creating a shared vision of the issue being addressed. Thereafter each hat is used for a few minutes at a time only, except the red hat which is limited to a very short 30 seconds or so to ensure that it is an instinctive gut reaction, rather than a form of judgement. This pace is believed to have a positive impact on the thinking process, in accordance with [[Malcolm Gladwell]]'s theories on "[[Blink (book)|blink]]" thinking.
=== 1990s technological renaissance ===
The 1990s saw a resurgence of the popularity of the yo-yo and yo-yo culture.


This ensures that groups think together in a focussed manner, staying on task, it also ensures that they focus their efforts on the most important elements of any issue being discussed. However, it also has the potential to create conflict if not well facilitated since people can feel "railroaded" to avoid this it is important to notice when there is any significant difference of opinion on the thinking process or the area in which it should focus
Continued development of yo-yo technology is evident in the widespread sale of the [[Yomega]] Brain, based on Michael Caffrey's design, and the Playmaxx Pro-yo, a take-apart fixed axle yo-yo. Yoyos are for big homos.


==Seventh Hat==
In 1990, Tom Kuhn released the SB-2 yo-yo (short for Silver Bullet 2), a high-performance ball bearing transaxle made with aluminum. This marked a major breakthrough for the modern yo-yo, as it was the first ball bearing yo-yo that actually worked. This ensured extremely long spin times and the ability to return as well. This yo-yo, (along with his many other accomplishments in the yo-yo world), eventually brought him the title "Father of the modern yo-yo," receiving the "Donald F. Duncan Family Award for Industry Excellence" in 1998. He was the first to receive this award.


In the version of this system advocated by the School of Thinking there is a seventh hat, grey in colour, which allows for the application of experience - asking oneself: what have we done before that was like this? What happened? What experiences have we had that were similar, what lessons from them could we apply?
In the late 1990s, Yomega partnered with HPK Marketing and helped fuel the yo-yo boom that spread across the globe. From this partnership, Team High Performance was born, a group of skilled demonstrators that toured the world. In this period, Yomegas were heavily marketed in Japan, where Bandai produced several yo-yos under the Yomega name which were sometimes different from those sold in the US.
This is not documented in de Bono's publications, nor in the early articles presented by the SOT on their web page. The time of origin of the seventh hat idea remains unclear.{{Fact|date=October 2008}}


==Summary==
At the turn of the century, 1999-2000, Yomega partnered with McDonald's and distributed a large number of Yomega X-Brain and Firestorm yo-yos at outlets throughout the US.(blue)
Using a variety of approaches within thinking and problem solving allows the issue to be addressed from a variety of angles, thus servicing the needs of all individuals concerned. The thinking hats are useful for learners as they illustrate the need for individuals to address problems from a variety of different angles. They also aid learners as they allow the individual to recognize any deficiencies in the way that they approach problem solving, thus allowing them to rectify such issues.


de Bono believed that the key to a successful use of the Six Think Hats methodology was the deliberate focusing of the discussion on a particular approach as needed during the meeting or collaboration session. For instance, a meeting may be called to review a particular problem and to develop a solution for the problem. The Six Thinking Hats method could then be used in a sequence to first of all explore the problem, then develop a set of solutions, and to finally choose a solution through critical examination of the solution set.
Another development around this time included the use of different materials such as billet machined Aluminum as seen in the ‘Dif-e-Yo’ Range.


So the meeting may start with everyone assuming the '''Blue''' hat to discuss how the meeting will be conducted and to develop the goals and objectives. The discussion may then move to '''Red''' hat thinking in order to collect opinions and reactions to the problem. This phase may also be used to develop constraints for the actual solution such as who will be affected by the problem and/or solutions. Next the discussion may move to the ('''Yellow''' then) '''Green''' hat in order to generate ideas and possible solutions. Next the discussion may move between '''White''' hat thinking as part of developing information and '''Black''' hat thinking to develop criticisms of the solution set.
== Contemporary yo-yo culture ==
===Yo-yo contests===
[[Image:Us yoyo national 2a.jpg|right|thumb|200px|John Ando, a 2A (double looping) division finalist at the 2004 US nationals in [[Chico, California]].]]


Because everyone is focused on a particular approach at any one time, the group tends to be more collaborative than if one person is reacting emotionally (Red hat) while another person is trying to be objective (White hat) and still another person is being critical of the points which emerge from the discussion (Black hat).
The International Yo-Yo Open is the largest yo-yo contest in the world. It is held every year in August at South Street Seaport in New York City. This contest is hosted by YoYoNation.com and aims to showcase the best yo-yo players in the world. In the inaugural 2007 contest, there were over 8,500 people in attendance and the event received almost 30 million media impressions. More information about this event can be found at YoYoOpen.com.


==Publication data==
The [[World Yo-Yo Contest]] is held every year in Florida, USA during early August or late July. This contest takes the winners from national yo-yo contests around the world and pits them against each other. Japanese players in particular have risen to the top of the yo-yo world. The six-time, double-handed world champion Shinji Saito — considered the best in the world — is Japanese. <ref>Tzeng, Grace. [http://www.asianweek.com/2008/09/05/toy-story-gravity-defying-yo-yo-tricks-on-display-at-california-state-yo-yo-championships/ "Toy Story: Gravity-defying yo-yo tricks on display at California State Yo-Yo Championships"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on 8 September 2008.</ref> Countries such as the United States, Brazil, Japan and the UK hold competitions at the national and regional levels. In addition, national yo-yo contests, without regionals, are held every year by Mexico, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, France, Germany, Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Australia.
* Edward De Bono. ''Six Thinking Hats'' (1985) ISBN 0-316-17831-4


==See also==
A yo-yo competition normally consists of two parts, a set of ''compulsory tricks'' and a ''freestyle'', where points are scored for each and the winner is the yo-yoer who scores the most points. Compulsory tricks (also known as a trick ladder) are a set of tricks that have been chosen before the contest, and the competitor must successfully complete each trick on their first or second attempt to score points. The freestyle is when the yoist performs a routine to their choice of music in front of a panel of judges, and is judged based on difficulty of the tricks, synchronization with the music and artistic performance.
* [[Lateral Thinking]]
* [[Multiple Intelligence]]
* [[Educational psychology]]
* [[Skill]]
* [[Championship mobilization]]


==References==
The [[TV Times]] world yo-yo championship was held in the United Kingdom in 1974 with heats across the United Kingdom and a final in London in 1975, the championship was sponsored by the Louis Marx toy company with the 'Lumar' brand of yo-yo. The competition was judged by a celebrity panel in each city and also Lumar demonstrator and European yo-yo champion Don Robertson. The winner of the final was [[Simon Harris]] (intermediate category). The championship was not repeated.
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
[[Image:Us yoyo national 1a.jpg|left|thumb|155px|1A (string tricks) division finalist, Augie Fash, at the 2004 US nationals in [[Chico, California]].]]
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*[http://www.bssc.edu.au/public/community/Big_Hill_Primary_School/Students/debonothinkinghatsPDF/DeBono’s%20_Six%20_Thinking%20_Hats.pdf Kids Reference To de Bono Hats]


[[Category:Educational psychology]]
=== Contest divisions ===
[[Category:1985 books]]
Currently there are seven yo-yo divisions to compete in:
[[Category:Self-help books]]


[[de:Denkhüte von De Bono]]
*1A The player uses a long sleeping yo-yo to perform string tricks which usually require the manipulation of the string.
[[fr:Méthode des six chapeaux]]
*2A The player uses two yo-yos simultaneously to perform reciprocating or looping tricks. This tends to be the most visually entertaining style with some players incorporating acrobatics into their routines.
[[he:כובעי החשיבה של דה בונו]]
*3A The player uses two long spinning yo-yos to perform tricks that involve manipulation of the string.
[[no:Seks tenkehatter]]
*4A The player uses an ''offstring'' yo-yo, often releasing the yo-yo into the air and attempting to catch it on the string.
[[sr:Теорија шест шешира]]
*5A The player uses a yo-yo with a counterweight on the other end of the string rather than having it attached to a finger.
[[fi:Kuusi ajatteluhattua]]
*AP This is Artistic Performance where the yoist uses any type of yo-yo or other prop in order to perform a freestyle.
[[sv:Sex tänkarhattar]]
*CB This is the Combined Division held only at the world competition, where players have to compete and demonstrate skill in multiple styles.
[[tr:Altı Şapkalı Düşünme Tekniği]]

[[zh:六顶思考帽]]
Competitors usually bring a number of yo-yos to the performance stage with them to allow for mid-routine replacements in the case of knots/jams (common with string tricks), string breakage (common with looping tricks), or drops (common with offstring tricks).

== Yo-yo techniques ==
=== Sleeping ===
Keeping a yo-yo spinning while remaining at the end of its uncoiled string is known as '''sleeping'''. Sleeping is the basis for nearly all yo-yo tricks other than looping, the player first putting the yo-yo in a "sleep" before throwing the yo-yo around using its string.

In competition, mastery of sleeping is the basis for the 1A division.

=== Looping ===
'''Looping''' is a yo-yo technique which emphasizes keeping the body of the yo-yo in constant motion, without "sleeping".<ref>[http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040417/bob9.asp Science News, Week of [[April 17]], [[2004]]; Vol. 165, No. 16, p. 250]</ref>

Yo-yos optimized for looping have weight concentrated in their centers so they may easily rotate about the string's axis without their mass contributing to a resistance due to a gyroscopic effect.

In yo-yo competitions, looping plays a strong role in the 2A division.

=== Off-string ===
In the '''off-string''' technique, the yo-yo's string is not tied directly to the yo-yo's axle, and the yo-yo is usually launched into the air by performing a "forward pass" to be caught again on the string.
However, some players can 'throw down' off-string yo-yos and catch it on the string just as it leaves the end of the string by pivoting the string around a finger as it unwinds, so that the yo-yo is caught on the string. This is exactly the opposite of a 'forward pass', but with the same result.

Yo-yos optimized for "off-string" tricks have flared designs, like the butterfly shape, which makes it easier to land on the string, and often have soft rubber rings on the edges, so minimum damage is inflicted on the yo-yo, the player, or anyone who happens to be standing nearby, should a trick go wrong.

Yo-yo competitions have the 4A division for off-string tricks.

=== Freehand ===
In '''freehand'''(5A) tricks, the yo-yo's string is not tied to the player's hand, instead ending in a counterweight. The counterweight is then thrown from hand to hand and used as an additional element in the trick.

Developed in 1999 by [[Steve Brown (yo-yo player)|Steve Brown]], as of 2008 freehand is considered to be the fastest-growing style of yo-yo play. Steve Brown was awarded a patent on his freehand yo-yo system, which was assigned to Flambeau Products ([[Duncan Toys Company|Duncan's]] parent company).

In yo-yo competitions, counterweight yo-yos are emphasized in the 5A division.

== Yo-yo shapes ==
[[Image:Classicyoyoshape.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Classic Yo-Yo Shape]]
[[Image:Technicprofile.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Modified Yo-Yo Shape]]
[[Image:DCP 0655 cropped.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Butterfly-shaped yo-yo]]

Yo-yo bodies come in a number of form factors or "silhouettes," each designed with specific advantages in mind. However, there are three popular configurations.

=== Tournament or Classic ===
The tournament or classic shape is often considered the original yo-yo shape, and is very commonly recognized. It's sometimes called a sculpted design. The shape's design is helpful in performing looping tricks.

=== Modified ===
The modified shape is a very popular design for looping style tricks. This shape is also known as a flywheel or modern shape. It usually has a hollowed face (sometimes covered with paper or plastic) with extra material left in the rim. The modified shape yo-yo is also used for string tricks because of the long spin times due to its shape.

=== Butterfly ===
Debuting in [[1958]], the butterfly has a wider string gap to make it easier to catch the yo-yo body on the string. The butterfly looks a bit like the separated halves of a standard yo-yo that have been reconnected back-to-back. Although the butterfly shape is good for 'string tricks,' it's not good for 'looping' tricks, because the winged shape of the body does not allow it to easily flip while looping. This shape is similar to a small [[Diabolo]], itself derived from the [[Chinese yo-yo]].

=== Other Shapes ===

There are, of course, many other shapes. Other less popular shapes are: Humphrey, Ball, Slimline, Russell Style (Bulge Face), Puck, Satellite, Coaster and Riveted Disk. <ref>Lucky's Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yo-Yos, 1999</ref>

=== Weight distribution ===
Each silhouette may have more weight distributed at either the center of the yo-yo or the rim. More weight towards the rim will make the yo-yo more stable for string tricks; more weight towards the center will make the yo-yo easier to turn and therefore better for looping tricks.

Heavier yo-yos will have more angular momentum when spinning at a given speed, and thus will spin freely for a longer period.

== Yo-yo innovations ==
=== Body ===
[[Image:Two yo-yos.jpg|thumb|right|Two high-tech yo-yos, both take-apart models using the "modified" perimeter weighted body. The Veriflex on the left uses a ball bearing transaxle, with rubber O-rings to allow a variable string gap. The Playmaxx Pro-yo uses a replaceable wooden unit that acts as wooden axle and friction pad.]]
Some modern yo-yos are made from a '''"take-apart"''' design, designed to be taken easily apart and reassembled by the player. This design was created by Donald F. Duncan, Jr. This enables the replacement of yo-yo components, including the string, renewable friction sources, or even trans-axle components.

Some take-apart designs allow the player to reconfigure the yo-yo's halves. In the Tom Kuhn No Jive 3-In-1, the halves may be attached in three different configurations, resulting in a traditional, butterfly, or "pagoda" silhouette. In the Yo-yo Factory FlyMaster, the body has two different "shells" to convert to and from an off-string yo-yo.

Another innovation to the yo-yo is the ability to adjust the gap between the two halves of the yo-yo, in order to increase or decrease response. In most designs, this is accomplished by twisting the yo-yo halves, but some designs (such as the Tom Kuhn Silver Bullet) can be disassembled for adjustment without twisting. This second option eliminates the possibility of the yo-yo coming out of adjustment during play.

*John Jerome McAvoy, Jr. was awarded patents for the '''gap-adjustable yo-yo''': patent #5389029 on [[February 14]], [[1995]], and #6066024 on [[May 23]], [[2000]].<ref>{{US patent|6066024}} Filed [[August 4]], [[1998]]; Issued [[May 23]], [[2000]]</ref><ref>{{US patent|5389029}} Filed [[April 27]], [[1993]]; Issued [[February 14]], [[1995]]</ref>
*In 1998, HSPIN launched the Handquake series of yoyos, which sported an adjustable gap by using shims of 0.1-0.5mm thickness. By adding or removing shims, the gap could be widened or shrunk by +/- 1mm.
*Harry Baier (creator of the "Mondial" yo-yo) and the Flambeau Products Company (owner of Duncan) were awarded patent #6162109 on [[December 19]], [[2000]] for a gap-adjustable yo-yo which has discrete positions for specific gap widths. This patent is now implemented in the Duncan Mondial.<ref>{{US patent|6162109}} Filed [[October 29]], [[1999]]; Issued [[December 19]], [[2000]]</ref>
*YoYoFactory's productline of Speed Dial yo-yo's feature "Fully Adjustable Starburst Technology" which allow the gap to be adjusted using a dial on the yo-yo. This allows for a more discrete response setting that stays the same after the yo-yo is taken apart and put back together.

=== Axle/bearing differentiation ===
The basic innovation since the 1990s is the '''transaxle''', a system where the string is not directly connected to the axle that connects the two halves of the yo-yo.

*'''Fixed''' axle yo-yos are represented by the original yo-yo design popularized in the first half of the 20th century, where the axle is directly connected to the string and halves of the yo-yo body. In order to enable the throwing of a "sleeper", the player must ensure the string is not wound too tightly around the axle, because it must freely spin in order to accomplish this move. Yo-yos designed for "looping" tricks tend to be fixed-axle yo-yos.
**Some more exotic fixed-axle yo-yos have axles made from low-friction materials such as ceramic alloys-- this allows for easier "sleeping," which is essential for string tricks.
*The majority of trick yo-yos sold are '''Bearing transaxle''' yo-yos. In these transaxle yo-yos the string is not connected to the axle directly, but rather it is wrapped about a [[ballrace]] bearing. The bearing, in turn, surrounds the true axle of the yo-yo. In this way, the body of the yo-yo may spin freely about the string's point of contact.
**There are transaxle systems which do not use a ball bearing, such as the Duncan ProFire and Yomega Fireball. These use a low-friction metal or plastic collar around the axle.
*The '''clutch transaxle''', innovated by Yomega with the Yomega Brain, is a transaxle that can be engaged or disenganged.
**the Yomega Brain is a '''centrifugal clutch transaxle'''-- when spinning at a sufficiently high speed, counterweights inside the yo-yo body disengage the axle, automatically allowing the yo-yo to "sleep." Conversely, when the speed slows below the threshold, the yo-yo will return automatically.
**Other clutch transaxles feature a manual switch which can engage or disengage the axle.

=== Friction sources ===
With the innovation of the transaxle, the notion of a yo-yo's '''response''' has become important to players. The "response" is a qualitative estimate of how easily the yo-yo will exit a "sleep" and return to the hand of the player.

*A '''starburst''' is a series of bumps molded into the surface of the plastic of each half of the yo-yo. The bumps form a star pattern, radiating out from the axle. Because the starburst is made of the same material as the yo-yo body, it tends to last the life of the yo-yo, but the yo-yo's responsiveness cannot be adjusted for the same reason.
*An '''O-ring''' response system is a rubber ring embedded in a recessed groove in the inside side wall of each half of the yo-yo body, surrounding the axle. Because it is made of a weaker material than the body, it wears down and is designed to be replaceable.
*'''[[Silicone]]''', like the O-ring, is a rubber component recessed into the side of the yo-yo around the axle.
*'''Friction stickers''', popularized by Duncan, are O-shaped stickers that affix to the inside wall of each half of the yo-yo body, and are slightly tacky to the touch. They are made to be replaceable. Many brands of friction stickers are now produced. Each give a unique feeling to the yo-yo. They are commonly made out of silicone, rubber, or a cloth material.
*'''Hybrid''',Is a combination of either O-ring and Starburst,O-ring and a Friction sticker,Starburst and a friction sticker and so on.This is mostly found in butterfly shaped yo-yos.Also it is mostly used by yoyojam.

===Side Bearing Caps===
Side Bearing Caps are when bearings are added to the hub of a yo-yo and covered with some form of side cap to allow it to be held while it spins. With the side cap bearing you can hold the yo-yo in many different planes and perform different styles of tricks, that can't be perform with the conventional yo-yos. Side Bearing Caps are also commonly known as side bearings, bearing caps (Anyyoyo) and hubstacks (Yoyo Factory).

=== Performance accessories ===
A number of yo-yo accessories are available as "after-market" modifications-- players buy items separately from the yo-yo to augment performance over the original model shipped from the factory.

*'''Ceramic bearings''' tend to spin longer and be more durable.
*'''Dif-E-Yo Konkave bearings''' are tapered inward on the perimeter, to force the string into a the center of the axle to prevent the string from rubbing on the sides of the yo-yo.
*'''Friction stickers''' different "grips" other than the ones shipped with the yo-yo, are available as a separate purchase to customize the user's style of play.
*'''Brake Pads''' Similar to friction stickers, however they break down quicker and can only be used in specific yoyos.
*High-tensile, '''Slick Strings''', generally made from polyester and cotton, is added by some players to improve sleep times (thinner string touches less of the yo-yo gap) and for better looping (low friction string performs "faster" and will not break as easily).
*'''Weight rings''' are affixed to the yo-yo's rim to increase the weight and percentage of mass at the yo-yo's rim, thus improving sleep time.

=== Exotic materials ===
Originally manufacturing yo-yos from wood, yo-yo technology improved in the 1960s when the industry switched to plastic. A plastic yo-yo has a uniform weight distribution and is unaffected by the variations in density that plague wood yo-yos.

Increasingly, the highest of high-end Yo-yos are being made of metal,
normally aluminum, steel, titanium, and very rarely, magnesium and tungsten alloys.

Exotic plastics are also coming into play: the "Milk," by manufacturer Born Crucial; the "Silk," by manufacturer Alchemy; and the "Gung Fu," by manufacturer Death by Yo Yo, are made almost entirely from the low-friction plastic [[Delrin]]. Yo-yos made from Delrin are also just as high end as metal ones.

== Physical mechanism ==
<!--(description of physics behind yo-yo)-->
The operation of a yo-yo comes from [[Moment of inertia|rotational inertia]] causing the string to be wound in the opposite direction returning the yo-yo. When the string is connected to the shaft with a loop, the yo-yo will continue to spin at the end of the string instead of returning, unless the yo-yo is jerked slightly allowing the slack string to bind and allowing return.

Patents have been issued to create more complicated mechanisms to allow tension control and an adjustable mechanism.<ref>{{US patent|6331132}} Filed [[July 27]], [[1999]]; Issued [[December 18]], [[2001]]</ref><ref>{{US patent|7192330}} Filed [[October 29]], [[1999]]; Issued [[December 19]], [[2000]]</ref>

== The yo-yo in popular culture ==
{{Refimprove|date=April 2008|Section titled ''The yo-yo in popular culture''}}
{{Trivia|date=July 2008}}
The yo-yo and "yo-yoing" have been a part of popular culture for nearly a century, and it is hardly surprising that yo-yos appear in many fictional works and even historical events.

*In [[1968]], activist [[Abbie Hoffman]] was cited for [[contempt of Congress]] for, amongst other acts, "walking the dog" during a session of the [[House Subcommittee on Un-American Activities]].
*The popular classic [[anime]] [[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman]]'s female character Jun uses a yo-yo as her main offensive weapon.
*In [[1974]] [[President of the United States|President]] [[Richard Nixon]] briefly played with a yo-yo at the [[Grand Ole Opry]] in [[Nashville]].
*In [[1986]] the [[Smothers Brothers]] introduced the song "Yo-Yo Man" into their act.<ref>[http://www.smothersbrothers.com/yoyoman.html Yo Yo man]</ref> Partway through the song, Tom would "enter into a state of Yo", which supposedly gave him enhanced yo-yo wielding ability while depriving him entirely of the power of speech. (This conveniently eliminated the need to stand near the microphone.) Dick provided a reverent and strangely metaphysical running commentary for Tom's performance.
*A yo-yo craze features prominently in the 1992 [[Simpsons]] episode ''[[Bart the Lover]]''. In the story, a yo-yo manufacturer puts on an elaborate production of children doing yo-yo tricks in order to boost sales.
*Gregory House in the TV series [[House (TV series)|''House'']] is often seen playing with a yo-yo whilst pondering complex ideas.
*The Japanese [[manga]] ''[[Sukeban Deka]]'' (スケバン刑事 "Delinquent Girl Detective") features the adventures of Saki Asamiya, a girl who solves crimes, frequently employing her yo-yo as a weapon, which also conceals her police badge. The manga was later made into three live-action television series, three live-action feature films, and a two-episode [[anime]] series.<ref> [http://imdb.com/find?s=tt&q=Sukeban+Deka Sukeban Deka] at the [[Internet Movie Database]].</ref>
*In one chapter of the Japanese Manga [[Yu-gi-oh]], a gang uses Yo-yos as weapons during a yo-yo fad period.
*In the 2001 comedy ''[[Zoolander]]'', [[Owen Wilson]]'s character Hansel performs yo-yo tricks throughout the film.
*The fourth incarnation of [[Doctor (Doctor Who)|The Doctor]] (played by [[Tom Baker]]), in the long running [[BBC]] [[science fiction]] series ''[[Doctor Who]]'' is seen playing with a yo-yo from time to time. He claims in the episode "Ark in Space" that he is playing with the yo-yo to judge the [[gravity|gravitational field]] present on a [[space station]].
*In the ''[[Guilty Gear (series)|Guilty Gear]]'' [[video game]] series, the character [[Bridget (Guilty Gear)|Bridget]] uses a yo-yo as one of his main weapons.
*In the anime [[Dragon Ball Z]], the character [[Gohan]] uses his yo-yo in a epic battle against [[Vegeta]].
*In the ''[[Earthbound]]'' video game series, the main character Ness can use a yo-yo as a weapon.
*In the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] video games ''[[StarTropics]]'', ''[[Yo! Noid]]'', and ''[[The Goonies 2]]'' the main characters use a yo-yo as the main weapon.
*In the MMORPG ''[[Flyff]]'' the Acrobat character class, along with the Jester subclass, can use yo-yos as a weapon.
*In the cartoon ''[[Recess (TV series)|Recess]]'' an episode features one of the main characters, Gretchen, learning to yo-yo, and then competing in a yo-yo competition.
*In the MMORPG ''[[RuneScape]]'' in the Christmas event of the year 2004, you were able to get a special toy which was a Yo-yo. It featured some of the tricks with a yo-yo as well.
*In the Japanese Anime [[Yu Yu Hakusho]], team Rokuyukai first fighter, Rinku is master of the Serpent Yo-Yo, an attack that transfers his spirit energy into the strings of the yo-yo causing them to act as if they are extensions of his own body.
*In the Japanese Anime [[Hunter x hunter|Hunter x Hunter]], Gon's best friend, [[Killua Zaoldyeck|Killua]] uses two yo-yos to fight.
*In One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, one of the orderlies is seen playing with a yo-yo in the hallway towards the beginning of the film.
*The ''[[Detention (TV series)|Detention]]'' character Duncan is almost always seen with a yo-yo, and uses it to communicate with the other characters.
*In manga/anime; Super Yo-Yo. The yo-yos are used in dueling competitions. Which various kids in Japan challenge 5th grader; Shunichi Domoto to a yo-yo competition. Which eventually leads to a yo-yo tournament to determine the next "Yo-yo Spinner" (champion).
*In the video game [[Fahrenheit (video game)|Fahrenheit]] character Carla Valenti spins a yo-yo during thinking about the case.
*In the Japanese movie [[Yo-Yo Girl Cop]], by Kenta Fukasaku, the lead character uses a Yo-Yo as her primary weapon.
*In the video game, [[Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Mis-Edventures]], Eddy has a yo-yo as a weapon.
*In [[R.A. Salvatore]]'s [[The Cleric Quintet]] the main character, [[Cadderly Bonaduce]] uses "Spindle Discs" as a weapon. The description of this weapon making it obvious that it is a yo-yo.
*Dr. [[Lucky Meisenheimer]] has the largest collection of yo-yos in the world as certified by [[Guinness]]. He also has produced a periodic table of yo-yos.
*In his standup routines, comedian [[George Carlin]] stated a desire to set up a stand at the Grand Canyon that sells Yo-Yos with 200 foot strings.
*In the Suite life on Deck Cody Martin enrolls in the Spring Fling Yo-Yo competition.

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Physical activity and dexterity toys]]

[[ar:يويو]]
[[bg:Йо-йо]]
[[ca:Io-io]]
[[cs:Jojo]]
[[da:Yoyo]]
[[de:Jo-Jo]]
[[es:Yo-yo]]
[[eo:Jojo]]
[[fr:Yo-yo]]
[[gl:Ioió]]
[[ko:요요]]
[[hr:Yo-yo]]
[[id:Yo-yo]]
[[it:Yo-yo]]
[[he:יו-יו]]
[[lt:Jojo]]
[[hu:Jojó]]
[[ms:Yo-yo]]
[[nl:Jojo (speelgoed)]]
[[ja:ヨーヨー]]
[[no:Jojo]]
[[nn:Jojo]]
[[pl:Jojo (zabawka)]]
[[pt:Ioiô]]
[[ro:Yo-yo]]
[[ru:Йо-йо]]
[[fi:Jojo]]
[[sv:Jojo]]
[[tr:Yoyo]]
[[ur:یو یو]]
[[zh:溜溜球]]

Revision as of 11:02, 11 October 2008

More commonly known as "Six Hats" or "Six Thinking Hats" this method is a thinking tool that has found widespread use in the UK business world and non-profit sector. The tool, combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way. The method is attributed to Dr. Edward de Bono and is the subject of his book, Six Thinking Hats.

Whatever the origin of the method it is finding widespread use in the UK innovation sector, being offered by numerous facilitation companies and having been trialled within the UK civil service[1]

Underlying Principles

The premise of the method is that the human brain thinks in a number of distinct ways which can be identified, deliberately accessed and hence planned for use in a structured way allowing one to develop strategies for thinking about particular issues. Dr de Bono identifies five distinct states in which the brain can be "sensitised". In each of these states the brain will identify and bring into conscious thought certain aspects of issues being considered (e.g. gut instinct, pessimistic judgement, neutral facts).

Perhaps the most compelling example presented is the idea of sensitivity to "mismatch" stimuli as a particularly strong tendency. This is presented as being a valuable survival instinct - because in the natural world the thing that is out of the ordinary may well be dangerous. This is identified as the root of negative judgement and critical thinking.

Six distinct states are identified Neutrality (white) - considering purely what information is available, what are the facts? Feeling (Red) - instinctive gut reaction or statements of emotional feeling (but not any justification) Negative judgement (Black) - logic applied to identifying flaws or barriers, seeking mismatch Positive Judgement (Yellow) - logic applied to identifying benefits, seeking harmony Creative thinking (Green) - statements of provocation and investigation, seeing where a thought goes Process control (Blue) - thinking about thinking

In order to make it easier to clearly identify and work with these states the use of coloured hats as metaphors for them is used; each state is symbolised by the act of putting on a colored hat, either actually or imaginatively. The use of these metaphors also allows more complete and elaborate definition of the states thus getting past the preconceptions inherent in using peoples current language.

Furthermore Dr de Bono asserts that these states are associated with distinct chemical states of the brain - although no details or evidence of this are presented.

Parallel thinking

In ordinary, unstructured thinking this process is unfocussed; the thinker leaps from critical thinking to neutrality to optimism and so on without structure or strategy. As individuals we are used to this and develop our own habits unconsciously. sometimes these are effective, other time not. What is certain is that when thinking in a group these individual strategiew will not tend to converge. as a tesult discussion will not tend to converge. and due to the power of the ego and the identified predilection to black hat thinking in the majority of western culture, this can lead to very destructive meetings. Even with good coutesy and clear shared objectives in any collaborative thinking activity there is a natural tendancy for "spaghetti thinking" where one person is thinking about the benefits whilst another considers the facts and so on. The hats allow this to be avoided so that everyone together considers the problems, or the benefits, or the facts, reducing distractions and supporting cross pollination of thought. this is achieved because everyone will put on e.g. the white hat together, then they will all put on the next hat together. in this way all present think in the same way at the same time. the only exception being the facilitator who will tend to keep the blue hat on all the time to make sure things progress efectively

Strategies and Programs

Having identified the six states that can be accessed, distinct programs can be created, these are sequences of hats which encompass and structure the thinking process toward a distinct goal. A number of these are included in the materials provided to support the franchised training of the six hats method, however it is often necessary to adapt them to suit an individual purpose. Also, programs are often "emergent" which is to say that you might plan the first few hats then the facilitator will see what seems to be the right way to go. Sequences always begin and end with a blue hat; the group agrees together how they will htink, then they do the thinking, then they evaluate the outcomes of that thinking and what they should do next. Sequences (and indeed hats) may be used by individuals working alone or in groups.

Example programs

Initial Ideas - Blue, White, Green, Blue
Choosing between alternatives - Blue, white,(Green), Yellow, Black, Red, Blue
identifying solutions - Blue, White, Black, Green, Blue
Quick Feedback - Blue, Black, Green, Blue
Strategic Planning - blue, yellow, black, white, blue, green, blue
Process Improvement - Blue, White, White (Other peoples views), Yellow, black, green, red, blue
Solving Problems - Blue, White, Green, Red, Yellow, Black, Green, Blue
Performance Review - Blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black, Green Red, Blue

More Hat details and examples

Included below is a brief description of each of the hats and the thinking processes that they represent. Their use is illustrated through the analysis of a simple classroom issue - "Students are talking while their teacher is talking".[2]

White hat – facts

Participants make statements of fact, including identifying information that is absent and presenting the views of people who are not present in a factual manner.

  • Students are talking while the teacher is talking
  • There is noise and therefore other students are distracted and can’t hear the teacher
  • Students don’t know what to do once instructions are given
  • Many students become distracted and off task resulting in the failure to complete work
  • Not understanding the focused lecture due to lack of concentration

Red hat – emotions

Participants state their feelings, exercising their gut instincts. In many cases this is a method for harvesting ideas - reducing lists of many options into a few to focus on by allowing each participant to vote for the ones they prefer. It is applied more quickly than the other hats to ensure it is a gut reaction feeling that is recorded.

  • The teacher feels offended
  • Students become frustrated because they can’t hear directions
  • Those talking enjoy joking around and being heard.
  • It represents emotional thinking of a person.

Black hat – negative judgement

Participants identify barriers, hazards, risks and other negative connotations. This is critical thinking, looking for problems and mismatches.

  • Time is wasted
  • Learning is compromised
  • Those speaking feel that black hat listeners do not respect them and do not wish to hear what they are saying
  • Flow of discussion is less clear

Yellow hat – positive judgement

Participants identify benefits of an idea or method. This is the opposite of black hat thinking and looks for the reasons to do things.

  • Everyone is able to say what is on their minds.
  • It can be fun.
  • Not only the ‘smart kids’ get to speak.
  • One doesn’t have to wait to share their ideas and therefore risk forgetting information.

Green hat – alternatives and creativity

This is the hat of thinking new thoughts. It is based around the idea of provocation and thinking for the sake of identifying new possibilities. Things are said for the sake of seeing what they might mean, rather than to form a judgement. This is often carried out on black hat statements in order to identify how to get past the barriers or failings identified there.

  • Teacher will be more aware about the amount of time they spend talking
  • Teacher will try to incorporate interaction from a variety of different students rather than just the ‘smart kids’
  • Students will resist the urge to say whatever is on their mind. They will think about what they have to say and whether it is relevant to the topic
  • Students will take into account whether their comment will interfere with other people's learning
  • Students will think of new ways to communicate rather than talking in class, for example, talk on MSN Messenger
  • Students will be able to develop ideas as a result of being creative in class

Blue hat – process control (thinking about thinking)

This is the hat under which all participants discuss the thinking process. The facilitator will generally wear it throughout and each member of the team will put it on from time to time to think about directing their work together.

  • Teacher learns that they need to monitor the amount of time that they spend talking within the classroom
  • Teacher needs to involve all students within discussions
  • Teacher needs to recognize that some students need thinking time before responding. Allowing these students time to compute solutions promotes wider participation and increased learning
  • Students realize that their talking makes the speaker feel unappreciated and disrespected
  • Students realize that their comments are jeopardizing the learning of other individuals
  • Students realize that talking out of time demonstrates a lack of self-discipline and that not all comments require sharing

Application Method

Whilst the ideas of the hats themselves provides significant benefits, there is more to the six hats method as applied within de Bono thinking systems and as trained under his franchise. in particular the pace at which the hats are used is highly relevant.

Typically in use a project will begin with an extended white hat action, as everyone gets "on the same page" creating a shared vision of the issue being addressed. Thereafter each hat is used for a few minutes at a time only, except the red hat which is limited to a very short 30 seconds or so to ensure that it is an instinctive gut reaction, rather than a form of judgement. This pace is believed to have a positive impact on the thinking process, in accordance with Malcolm Gladwell's theories on "blink" thinking.

This ensures that groups think together in a focussed manner, staying on task, it also ensures that they focus their efforts on the most important elements of any issue being discussed. However, it also has the potential to create conflict if not well facilitated since people can feel "railroaded" to avoid this it is important to notice when there is any significant difference of opinion on the thinking process or the area in which it should focus

Seventh Hat

In the version of this system advocated by the School of Thinking there is a seventh hat, grey in colour, which allows for the application of experience - asking oneself: what have we done before that was like this? What happened? What experiences have we had that were similar, what lessons from them could we apply? This is not documented in de Bono's publications, nor in the early articles presented by the SOT on their web page. The time of origin of the seventh hat idea remains unclear.[citation needed]

Summary

Using a variety of approaches within thinking and problem solving allows the issue to be addressed from a variety of angles, thus servicing the needs of all individuals concerned. The thinking hats are useful for learners as they illustrate the need for individuals to address problems from a variety of different angles. They also aid learners as they allow the individual to recognize any deficiencies in the way that they approach problem solving, thus allowing them to rectify such issues.

de Bono believed that the key to a successful use of the Six Think Hats methodology was the deliberate focusing of the discussion on a particular approach as needed during the meeting or collaboration session. For instance, a meeting may be called to review a particular problem and to develop a solution for the problem. The Six Thinking Hats method could then be used in a sequence to first of all explore the problem, then develop a set of solutions, and to finally choose a solution through critical examination of the solution set.

So the meeting may start with everyone assuming the Blue hat to discuss how the meeting will be conducted and to develop the goals and objectives. The discussion may then move to Red hat thinking in order to collect opinions and reactions to the problem. This phase may also be used to develop constraints for the actual solution such as who will be affected by the problem and/or solutions. Next the discussion may move to the (Yellow then) Green hat in order to generate ideas and possible solutions. Next the discussion may move between White hat thinking as part of developing information and Black hat thinking to develop criticisms of the solution set.

Because everyone is focused on a particular approach at any one time, the group tends to be more collaborative than if one person is reacting emotionally (Red hat) while another person is trying to be objective (White hat) and still another person is being critical of the points which emerge from the discussion (Black hat).

Publication data

  • Edward De Bono. Six Thinking Hats (1985) ISBN 0-316-17831-4

See also

References

  1. ^ Kamal S. Birdi, No idea? Evaluating the effectiveness of creativity training, Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 29 No. 2, 2005, pp. 102-111, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
  2. ^ Adapted from http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/manage/sixhats120800.html

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yo-yo&oldid=244548763"