Ideation could best be described as the process of entertaining and forming ideas and concepts for the purpose of resolving specific problem(s) related to larger objectives.
Ideation techniques can be initiated at any phase of a project and may include a variety of idea gathering techniques such as sketches, mood boards, storyboarded sequences, wireframes, and brainstorms with colleagues.
Typically visual conceptualizations (e.g. quick thumbnail sketches) are produced and are most effective when explored during the initial stages of a project where potentially the most latitude exists for interpreting deliverables against a project brief.
Ideation Solves Problems
Sketching out ideas is a powerful visualization technique and arguably one of the best starting points for capturing the initial spark of inspiration present in the mind’s eye.
Concept sketches are great for comparison and evaluation of multiple solutions to a given problem. Quick sessions of sketching (i.e. pencil and paper) emphasizing iterative progression can yield a wide range of ideas more effectively than time spent generating concepts in software applications.
If the desire is to produce a large number of high quality ideas in a very short period of time then software should be avoided during this phase. Applications are more effectively utilized further along in the process when we’re ready to funnel a large collection of rough ideas into a smaller group for development and further refinement.
The Purpose of Ideation
- an iterative process of visually brainstorming ideas
- an effective approach to flushing out multiple ideas quickly
- can involve both divergent thinking (exploring the unconventional, starting with the known and moving outwards) and convergent thinking (merging a series of existing ideas, starting with the known and moving inwards, or tending to 1 point of focus)
- can be a solitary endeavor or a collaborative process involving several individuals
Why do it?
- thinking beyond current conventions
- challenge the client to think differently about their brand, product or service
- cultivating innovation
- breaking new ground
Tips
- experiment, entertain wild and crazy ideas
- suspend critical judgement and resist the tendency to focus on a single, obvious solution
- explore adjacencies; go off on tangents
- allow the process to occur spontaneously without being forced
- creatively open your mind and allow a fluid avalanche of ideas to come forth
- flush out as many divergent ideas as possible within a relatively short period of time
- like with brainstorming, the more ideas, the better. (could be 15-20 minutes or 2 hours depending on how complex the design problem(s))