Ideation is the process of coming up with new ideas. It can be applied when trying to solve problems, improve existing products, or create new ones. Different ideation techniques such as:

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is one of the most popular and straightforward ideation techniques. It encourages group members to share as many ideas as possible without judgment or criticism. The goal is to generate a large pool of ideas in a relaxed environment. Brainstorming leverages a group’s collective knowledge and creativity, often leading to unexpected insights and solutions.

How to use it:

  1. Gather a group of diverse thinkers.
  2. Encourage open-ended ideas and solutions, no matter how outlandish.
  3. Record every suggestion without filtering or critiquing.
  4. After the session, categorize and refine the ideas.

SCAMPER

SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. This technique is used to innovate or improve existing products, services, or processes by asking different questions related to these seven actions.

How to use it:

  1. Identify the problem, product, or process you want to improve.
  2. Apply each SCAMPER step by asking relevant questions. For example, “What can I substitute?” or “How can I modify this feature?”
  3. Use the responses to brainstorm potential solutions.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual ideation technique for organizing thoughts and ideas around a central concept. It allows participants to explore related ideas in a structured, yet creative way. It leverages visual learning and makes it easier to see connections between ideas that might not be initially obvious.

How to use it:

  1. Start with a central idea, such as the problem you’re trying to solve.
  2. Branch out from the central idea with related themes or sub-problems.
  3. Continue branching out from those themes, developing ideas that are connected.
  4. Look for patterns and associations that could lead to potential solutions.
    Why it works: Mind mapping leverages visual learning and makes it easier to see connections between different ideas that might not be obvious initially.

The Six Thinking Hats

Devised by Edward de Bono, the Six Thinking Hats technique is used to approach problems from six different perspectives. Each “hat” represents a different type of thinking, helping participants consider all facets of a problem.

The six hats are:

  1. White hat: Focus on data and information.
  2. Red hat: Use emotions and intuition.
  3. Black hat: Identify risks and potential problems.
  4. Yellow hat: Look at the positives and benefits.
  5. Green hat: Encourage creativity and new ideas.
  6. Blue hat: Manage the thinking process and ensure the other hats are used effectively.

How to use it:

  1. Assign a hat (or perspective) to different team members or switch hats throughout the session.
  2. Explore the problem through each hat’s lens.

Role Playing

Role-playing is an ideation technique where participants assume the roles of different stakeholders involved in a problem. By “becoming” the customer, employee, or another key player, you can uncover new perspectives and ideas. This technique fosters empathy and encourages thinking that prioritizes the needs and desires of those affected by the problem.

How to use it:

  1. Identify the key stakeholders related to the problem.
  2. Assign each participant a role.
  3. Encourage each participant to express thoughts, needs, and concerns from their character’s perspective.
  4. Use these insights to guide brainstorming and ideation.

Affinity Diagrams

Affinity diagrams are a great way to organize and prioritize ideas after a brainstorming session. The technique groups similar ideas together to help you identify patterns and make connections.

How to use it:

  1. After a brainstorming session, write each idea on a separate sticky note or card.
    Group related ideas together based on themes or categories.
    Review the grouped ideas and look for patterns or insights that can lead to a solution.

Reverse Brainstorming

Reverse brainstorming involves thinking about how to cause a problem rather than how to solve it. Once you’ve generated a list of ways to create the problem, you reverse those ideas into solutions.

How to use it:

  1. State the problem you are trying to solve.
    Ask participants to brainstorm ways to make the problem worse.
    Once you have a list, reverse each idea to brainstorm potential solutions.

Starbursting

Starbursting is a question-based ideation technique that focuses on expanding an idea by asking as many questions as possible about it. The questions usually cover the who, what, when, where, why, and how.

How to use it:

  1. Draw a star with six points.
  2. Write the problem or idea in the centre.
  3. Label each point of the star with a question: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
  4. Expand on each point by answering those questions to dig deeper into the idea.

Storyboarding

Storyboarding involves visualizing the steps of a user experience or the stages of a problem through drawings, similar to creating a comic strip. Doing this makes it easier to spot areas for improvement.

How to use it:

  1. Identify the key steps in the problem or process you’re exploring.
  2. Sketch each step, showing what happens and what the outcomes are.
  3. Analyze the storyboard to identify gaps, opportunities, or problem areas.

From Ideation to Solution

Moving from ideation to solution requires a structured process of evaluation, prioritization, and refinement. After generating a wide range of ideas, you need to identify which ones have the greatest potential to solve the problem effectively.

Evaluate Feasibility

Some questions to consider:

  1. Can the idea be implemented with the resources, time, and skills available?
  2. Does the idea align with organizational goals or the needs of stakeholders?
  3. Is it realistic or too far-fetched?
    Tools you can use:

Assess Impact

Not all ideas are created equal in terms of their impact on the problem. Consider:

  1. How well does the idea solve the core problem?
  2. Will it lead to measurable improvements or benefits?
  3. How scalable is the solution—can it be applied in different situations or contexts?

Prioritize Ideas

Once you’ve evaluated feasibility and impact, it’s time to prioritize the best ideas. Focus on the ones that are practical to implement and have the potential to solve the problem effectively or have the most impact.

Build-Measure-Learn

Lastly, iterate on any idea selected. Build a minimum viable product, and select the right metrics to test that idea. Share it with customers and improve on the idea based on feedback received.

Call to action: It’s time to put these techniques to the test. Whether you’re tackling a tough project at work or looking for innovative solutions in your business, these methods will help you break through creative blocks.

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