What problem-solving technique involves thinking of all possible solutions to a problem?

The technique of brainstorming is specifically designed to encourage the generation of a wide variety of ideas and solutions in a free-flowing manner. This approach allows individuals or groups to explore many possibilities without immediate criticism or judgment, fostering creativity and the potential to uncover innovative solutions.

In brainstorming sessions, participants are encouraged to share any thoughts that come to mind regarding the problem at hand, which can then be evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness later. This communal aspect often leads to the synthesis of ideas, where participants build upon each other's suggestions, further enriching the pool of potential solutions.

Other techniques mentioned, such as working backward or mind mapping, serve different purposes in problem-solving. Working backward often involves starting from the desired outcome and tracing the steps back to the current state, while mind mapping is a visual tool used to organize information and concepts. Additionally, although alternating solutions could imply exploring different strategies, it does not encapsulate the open-ended idea generation that defines brainstorming. Thus, brainstorming is distinctly characterized by its comprehensive approach to generating a wide array of possible solutions.