Ideating

Nov 3

Ideation is an idea-generating creative process. It comprises all stages of a thought cycle – from innovation, to development, to actualization.

Individuals or groups of people can engage in ideation. In the Design Thinking process, it is the third stage and an essential piece. It comes after empathizing with the needs of users and defining the problems that need to be solved. In ideation, you consider lots of different solutions that could work. It involves an open mind. This openness to different ideas is at the core of ideation. Ideation doesn’t require sticky notes and colorful markers, though they can be useful. Ideation is a mindset. It is a willness to generate ideas without first evaluating them. Ideation takes intentional effort, because it is our first instinct to evaluate or pass judgement on ideas when we hear them. Ideation is a skill that requires practice.

Leading Lightbulb Moments

Light-bulb moment: a moment of sudden realisation, enlightenment, or inspiration.

When planning for generative ideation sessions, create an environment that is conducive to looking at things from different perspectives. The Interaction Design Foundation has some great tools! First, clearly define the problem to tackle, then restate it as a question. For example, “How might we create a virtual space focused on building community?” This reframes the problem and prompts effective collaboration towards potential solutions. If working with a team, be sure to choose a skilled facilitator and a creative environment. Take time to prepare the space. Some ideas include featuring posters of personas, relevant information, etc. Effective facilitation includes rules – e.g., a 2-hour time limit, quantity-over-quality focus, and a “There are no bad ideas” mindset. Be bold. Be curious. Challenge commonly held beliefs. Take each other's ideas and build on them. Find ways to connect ideas. Recognize patterns. Explore all ideas to imagine the possibilities.

“It’s not about coming up with the right idea, it’s about generating the broadest range of possibilities.”

— d.school, An Introduction to Design Thinking PROCESS GUIDE

There are hundreds of ideation techniques to explore. For more information about ideation techniques, check out Introduction to the Essential Ideation Techniques which are the Heart of Design Thinking, an article on the Interaction Design Foundation website.