In each of these directions the brain will identify and bring into conscious thought certain aspects of issues being considered (e.g. gut instinct, pessimistic judgement, neutral facts).

Switching to a direction is symbolized by the act of putting on a colored hat, either literally or metaphorically.

A number of these are included in the materials provided to support the franchised training of the six hats method; however it is often necessary to adapt them to suit an individual purpose.

[5] Typically, a project will begin with an extended white hat action, as facts are assembled.

De Bono believed[6] that the key to a successful use of the Six Thinking Hats methodology was the deliberate focusing of the discussion on a particular approach as needed during the meeting or collaboration session.

The discussion may then move to Red hat thinking in order to collect opinions and reactions to the problem.

Next the discussion may move to the (Yellow then) Green hat in order to generate ideas and possible solutions.