Abstract

The KJ method, a creative thinking tool, can help establish order amidst chaos, with subjectivity playing both beneficial and detrimental roles. This study aimed to enhance the original KJ method and develop a new research approach by extracting key elements from research methods that could effectively optimize subjectivity and then integrating them with steps of the KJ method. The research process included a literature review to outline advantages and challenges of the KJ method with selection and analysis of three subjective research methods and their elements, ultimately culminating in a new five-step KJ method. This study emphasizes the critical role of subjectivity in creative thinking. It provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing the KJ method, thereby offering improved strategies to foster creative thinking.