The technique of focal object for problem solving involves synthesizing the seemingly non-matching characteristics of different objects into something new. Problem solving forms part of thinking. ...

For example, to generate new solutions to gardening take some ideas at random, such swimming and a couch, and invent ways for them to merge. Swimming might be used with the idea of gardening to create a plant oxygen tank for underwater divers. A couch might be used with the idea of gardening to invent new genes that would grow plants into the shape of a couch. The larger the number of diverse objects included, the greater the opportunity for inventive solutions.