It is an objective attempt to put the negative elements onto the map. Black hat thinking may point out the errors in the thinking procedure and method itself. Black hat thinking may judge an idea against the past to see how well it fits what is known. Black hat thinking may project an idea into the future to see what might fail or go wrong. Black hat thinking should not be used to cover negative indulgence or negative feelings which should make use of the red hat.
Positive assessment is left for the yellow hat.
In the case of new ideas the yellow hat should always be used before the black hat. The yellow color symbolizes sunshine, brightness and optimism. Yellow hat thinking is concerned with positive assessment just as black hat thinking is concerned with negative assessment. Yellow hat thinking covers a positive spectrum that ranges from the logical and practical at one end to dreams, visions and hopes at the other end. Yellow hat thinking probes and explores for value and benefit.