Six Thinking Hats

Six Thinking Hats is the title and subject of a book by Edward DeBono, published in 1985.

In it DeBono describes a process of deliberately adopting a particular approach to a problem as an aid to lateral thinking. Six different approaches are described, and each is symbolised by the act of putting on a coloured hat, either actually or imaginatively. This he suggests can be done either by individuals working alone or in groups.

DeBono's six hats are:

• White (also symbolised by a blank sheet of paper), for facts and simple observations .
• Red (symbolised by fire), for feelings.
• Black (symbolised by black judges garb), for examining negative aspects (criticism, modus tollens).
• Yellow (sunshine), for examining positive aspects.
• Green (fresh shoots of plant growth), for creative approaches.
• Blue (sky, the overall view), for meta-thinking.