How to Improve Divergent Thinking Capability by Information Technology and Extenics

Abstract Divergent Thinking capability has become increasingly important for innovation and problem solving. We need efficient and effective ways to support the divergent thinking process. Based on Basic-element theory of Extenics, a new model to improve the divergent thinking capability has been developed using information management and extension transformation. With the guide of the extension innovation method, we collect attributes of different things through information technology on the web, and then extend many divergent thinking directions systematically. The case study shows it is helpful as a common innovative approach to improve divergent thinking capability by integration of information technology and Extenics.