Journey Of Design - Ideate - Part 3

“Design is thinking made visual”

Ideation Techniques

1. Brainstorming

Conducting effective brainstorming sessions requires adherence to eight essential house rules, with a designated facilitator guiding the process:

• Set a Time Limit: Allocate 15 to 60 minutes based on the complexity of the problem.

• Start with a Target Problem/Brief: Define a clear question, plan, or goal to maintain focus.

• Encourage Weird and Wacky Ideas: Create an open environment where unconventional ideas are welcomed, as long as they stay on topic.

• Refrain from Judgment/Criticism: Avoid negative comments or body language that could discourage any idea.

• Aim for Quantity: Emphasize the generation of numerous ideas, understanding that quantity precedes quality.

• Build on Others’ Ideas: Foster collaboration by expanding on each other's notions to reach new insights.

• Stay Visual: Utilize visual aids such as diagrams and Post-Its to enhance idea representation.

• Allow One Conversation at a Time: Maintain a focused discussion to respect everyone’s input and achieve concrete results.

2. Braindump

A brain dump is a technique where individuals rapidly record their thoughts, ideas, and information spontaneously, either on paper or in a digital format. The primary purpose of a brain dump is to clear one's mind of clutter and capture a stream of consciousness without the constraints of structure or organization. This process helps individuals externalize their internal thoughts, enabling a more focused and organized approach to problem-solving, brainstorming, or simply managing information overload. By allowing ideas to flow freely and without judgment during the initial brain dump phase, individuals can later review, organize, and prioritise the captured content, leading to improved clarity, enhanced creativity, and a more systematic approach to addressing tasks and goals. It serves as a valuable tool for decluttering the mind, fostering creativity, and promoting effective decision-making and planning.

3. Brainwriting

Brainwriting is a creative ideation technique where participants generate ideas individually in a written format before sharing and building upon each other's contributions. Unlike traditional brainstorming where ideas are spoken aloud in a group setting, brainwriting allows for a more structured and focused approach.

4. SCAMPER

SCAMPER is a creative thinking technique used to prompt innovative ideas and solutions by encouraging individuals to consider different aspects of a problem or challenge. The acronym SCAMPER stands for:

S - Substitute: Explore possibilities of substituting or replacing elements within the problem or solution. Consider using alternative materials, processes, or ideas.

C - Combine: Look for opportunities to combine different elements, features, or concepts. Consider merging existing ideas or components to create something new.

A - Adapt: Consider how existing elements can be adapted or modified to suit the current problem or goal. Think about adjusting features, functions, or processes.

M - Modify/Magnify: Think about making modifications or magnifying certain aspects of the problem. This could involve changing the size, shape, color, or other attributes to enhance or intensify particular elements.

P - Put to Another Use: Explore alternative applications or uses for the existing elements. Consider how the problem or solution might be applied in different contexts or industries.

E - Eliminate: Identify elements that can be removed or eliminated without compromising the core functionality. Simplify the problem or solution by removing unnecessary components.

R - Reverse/Rearrange: Consider reversing the order or sequence of elements. Think about rearranging components in a different way to generate new perspectives and ideas.

5. Storyboards:

To create a storyboard, begin by defining the purpose and key scenes of your narrative. Sketch a series of rectangles, each representing a frame, and fill them with simple drawings depicting the major events. Add captions or descriptions to explain the content of each scene, considering transitions, camera angles, and visual flow. Use colors or markers to enhance visual elements and convey mood. If applicable, include camera directions and, during the process, revise and refine for clarity and coherence. Digital tools can streamline this process, allowing for easy collaboration and adjustments. Ultimately, a well-crafted storyboard serves as a visual roadmap, aiding in the effective communication and execution of your narrative or project.

6. Gamestorming

Gamestorming is a creative problem-solving and ideation approach that draws inspiration from game design principles to encourage innovation, collaboration, and effective communication in a group setting. It involves using interactive and engaging activities, often structured as games, to facilitate brainstorming sessions, workshops, and meetings. The idea is to make the process of generating ideas, solving problems, or making decisions more dynamic and enjoyable. Gamestorming techniques can include activities like role-playing, simulations, visual mapping, and collaborative games, all designed to promote active participation and unlock the creativity of individuals within a group. This approach is particularly popular in business, education, and other collaborative environments where fostering innovation and teamwork is essential.

Onto the next chapter…

In wrapping up the ideation stage of our design thinking expedition, we've witnessed the emergence of a myriad of imaginative solutions, each a testament to the power of collaborative creativity. As we bid farewell to the brainstorming sessions and idea generation, we invite you to carry this wave of inspiration into the next pivotal phase: Prototyping.
The ideate stage has fueled our innovation engine, and now, in the realm of prototyping, we will sculpt these promising ideas into tangible forms. Join us in the following paragraphs as we explore the hands-on process of turning concepts into prototypes, bringing design thinking to life in a tangible and exciting way. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the dynamic world where ideas gain substance, and innovation takes a leap forward.