Oblique Strategies

Oblique Strategies is a deck of cards created by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt in 1975. Each card contains a challenging constraint or suggestion designed to help artists break creative blocks by encouraging lateral thinking. The cards are intentionally abstract and open to interpretation, making them useful for any creative endeavor.

When you're stuck on a creative problem or decision:

• Click "Get Another Strategy" to receive a random prompt
• Take a moment to reflect on how the prompt might relate to your current situation
• Consider multiple interpretations of the prompt
• Add these to your ideation wokrshops or Crazy Eights.
• Use it as a starting point for breaking out of conventional thinking

Use this tool when:

• You're feeling creatively blocked
• You need a fresh perspective on a problem
• You're stuck in conventional thinking patterns
• You want to explore alternative approaches
• You need to break out of your comfort zone

The effectiveness of Oblique Strategies comes from their ability to:

• Force lateral thinking through unexpected suggestions
• Break established patterns of thought
• Provide constraints that spark creativity
• Encourage looking at problems from new angles
• Create cognitive distance from immediate concerns