Have you ever been stuck on a problem at work, feeling like you’re just going around in circles? I definitely have. During my PR career, I’d sometimes lock myself in a room, willing ideas to come on demand–often with little success. If only I had known back then about the “related worlds” technique, one of my favourite tools for unlocking creativity.
In this toolkit episode of the Now Go Create podcast, I explain how this technique can illuminate even the most stubborn challenges. The core idea behind Related Worlds is that somewhere, now or in history, someone else has faced a version of your problem. By seeking inspiration outside your field or usual environment, you can bring fresh perspectives back to your challenge.
How related worlds works in action
One of the most striking examples of related worlds in action happened when I was working with a high-street food retailer. Their challenge? Getting freshly made food from the back of the store to the front quickly enough to satisfy the no-nonsense lunch crowd. Instead of just looking at other retailers, we examined an entirely different world: Formula One racing. By treating store operations like an F1 pit stop–where every second counts–we found ways to significantly improve their efficiency.
Another classic example is the invention of Velcro by George de Mestral. He noticed how burs stuck to his clothes and his dog’s fur, and he transformed this observation into a revolutionary fabric fastener. This is a perfect case of biomimicry, an approach I’ve dedicated a whole episode to out next week.
Breaking out of mental ruts with related worlds
Our brains love the status quo, making well-worn neural pathways our default thinking routes. Related Worlds is a tool for breaking out of mental ruts, offering a structured way to gain a fresh perspective.
I recently experimented with ChatGPT’s voice function to brainstorm how to get people into pubs during Dry January. Instead of focusing on alcohol, we explored other worlds–coffee shops, community gardens, and more–to see where a sense of community and shared experiences could be paralleled. The AI suggested intriguing ideas like transforming pubs into urban farming hubs or hosting zero-waste supper clubs, making these venues attractive even without the allure of alcohol.
What I love about this tool is that it simplifies and demystifies the creative process. It’s not just about thinking outside the box–it’s about finding another box entirely and thinking inside it for a while.
How to use the related worlds technique
Ready to try it? Follow these steps:
- Frame your problem as a question – Use a “How to” or “How might we” format.
- Identify other worlds – Where else might this problem exist?
- Research those worlds – What solutions do they use?
- Adapt and apply – Borrow what works and test it in your context.
For a step-by-step guide, grab the free resource sheet here
Listen to the podcast episode
Want more insights? Listen to the Now Go Create podcast episode on related worlds here