According to the developer of attribute listing, Robert Crawford, “Each time we take a step we do it by changing an attribute or a quality of something, or else by applying that same quality or attribute to some other things. There are two forms of attribute listing: attribute modifying and attribute transferring.

With attribute modifying, the main attribute of the problem object is listed. Then ways to improve each attribute are listed. For instance, the technique might be used to concentrate on ways to improve the running shoe attributes of weight, stability, cushioning, and durability. Attribute transferring is similar to direct analogy in synectics. Attributes from one thing are transferred to another.