Design Thinking Process: Ideation

Overview

• Ideation is a key step in the design thinking process focused on generating as many ideas or solutions as possible.
• Emphasizes quantity and diversity of ideas.
  • Initial focus is on generating a high volume of ideas, not on determining quality.

Key Principles

1. Quantity Over Quality
   • Prioritize creating lots of ideas initially.
   • Quality assessment happens after brainstorming.
2. Suspend Judgment
   • Avoid evaluating ideas during the brainstorming phase.
   • Encourage all participants to share freely without criticism.
3. Inclusivity
   • Ensure all participants, including introverts, have a voice.
   • Use workshops and exercises to facilitate idea sharing.

Focus on Novelty

• Novelty is prioritized over relevance during ideation.
• Novel solutions can lead to unexpected and significant innovations.
  • Example: Apple’s iPod and iPhone were novel yet became relevant.

Methods and Techniques

• Mind Maps: Visual representation of ideas and their connections.
• Sketches: Quick drawings to visualize ideas.
• Skits: Acting out scenarios to explore concepts.
• Storyboards: Sequence of images representing a narrative or process.
• Game Storming: Use of games to stimulate idea generation.
• Charettes: Collaborative sessions with users to co-create ideas.

Conclusion

• Ideation focuses on novelty without judgment.
• The aim is to reach a balance between novelty and relevance for successful innovation.