The Lotus Blossom Technique was developed by Yasuo Matsumura of Clover Management Research.
Present a central theme; Write eight related ideas or applications of the idea around the central theme; These eight ideas then become central themes in themselves; Repeat n-times as desired; When ideas become too specialized or technical, brainstorm with groups of experts; Product planning groups take diagrams to specialist divisions for development.
Example: Used by the Japan Management Consultants Association to train members in brainstorming.
Source: Tatsuno, S. (1990). Created in Japan: from imitators to world-class innovators.
See “Four Japanese Brainstorming Methods” – PDF REPORT DOWNLOAD