also be used to develop constraints for the actual solution such as who will be affected by the problem and/or solutions. Next the discussion may move to the (Yellow then) Green hat in order to generate ideas and possible solutions. Next the discussion may move between White hat thinking as part of developing information and Black hat thinking to develop criticisms of the solution set. Because everyone is focused on a particular approach at any one time, the group tends to be more collaborative than if one person is reacting emotionally (Red hat) while another person is trying to be objective (White hat) and still another person is being critical of the points which emerge from the discussion (Black hat). The hats aid individuals in addressing problems from a variety of angles, and focus individuals on deficiencies in the way that they approach problem solving. In 2005, the tool found some use in the United Kingdom innovation sector, where it was offered by some facilitation companies and had been trialled within the United Kingdom's civil service. In 2009, Swedish newspapers noticed that the municipality of Laholm had purchased 300 thinking hats for the amount of 18,000 Swedish krona (about 2000 USD). The hats were used only once, but were later lent to the Economic Crime Authority. See also Wiktionary:thinking cap – A metaphorical headgear worn by a person to assist them in thinking. References Books about creativity Educational psychology books 1985 non-fiction books Self-help books