The excursion technique is primarily used to what end in problem solving?

The excursion technique is specifically designed to stimulate creativity and generate new ideas by allowing participants to engage in a form of imaginative thinking, often through visual imagery or fantasy. By creating visual fantasies based on chosen words or themes, this technique encourages individuals to think outside the box, explore unconventional solutions, and connect different concepts not typically associated with one another. This approach can lead to unexpected insights and innovative solutions to problems.

The other options do not align with the primary function of the excursion technique. While collecting data from customers, analyzing past problems, or writing formal reports might be important in the overall problem-solving process, they do not directly pertain to the creative and imaginative exploration emphasized by the excursion technique.