Ideation
Objectives of the Ideation Phase
Section titled “Objectives of the Ideation Phase”- Understand what ideation means in Design Thinking
- Discover techniques to generate ideas
- Learn how to organize a brainstorming and a brainwriting session
- Apply the Crazy 8 technique
- Use mind mapping to structure ideas
- Select and converge ideas to choose the best one for prototyping
Purpose of This Phase
Section titled “Purpose of This Phase”The ideation phase aims to generate a wide range of ideas to solve a problem identified in the definition phase.
It includes two steps:
- Divergence → Generate as many ideas as possible, without judgment
- Convergence → Filter and select the most relevant ideas
Ideation Techniques
Section titled “Ideation Techniques”Brainstorming
Section titled “Brainstorming”A group session where participants freely share ideas.
Rules for effective brainstorming:
- A facilitator leads the session
- Friendly atmosphere (tools available, relaxed environment)
- Time-limited session (max 45 minutes)
- Group of 8 to 10 participants
- All ideas are welcome, even wild ones
- No criticism allowed
- Final synthesis to group and refine ideas
Brainwriting
Section titled “Brainwriting”A written version of brainstorming, where ideas are written down and shared anonymously.
Methods:
- Brainwriting Pool: Everyone writes ideas on sticky notes, then picks others’ notes and adds on.
- Brainwriting 6-3-5: 6 people write 3 ideas in 5 minutes, then pass their sheet to another participant to improve or expand ideas.
Advantages:
- ✅ Reduces fear of judgment
- ✅ Gives everyone a voice
- ✅ Helps refine and build on ideas
Crazy 8
Section titled “Crazy 8”A fast and visual technique to generate 8 ideas in 8 minutes.
Steps:
- Fold a paper into 8 sections
- Each participant sketches one idea per box (1 min per idea)
- Everyone shares their ideas
- A voting round selects the best concepts
💡 Ideal for visual solutions like app interfaces.
Mind Mapping
Section titled “Mind Mapping”A visual diagram that organizes ideas hierarchically.
How to do it:
- Place the central problem in the center
- Connect main ideas as branches
- Expand each idea with sub-branches
- Group and prioritize the ideas
- XMind
- MindMeister
- Coggle
- Whiteboard + sticky notes
Selecting and Converging Ideas
Section titled “Selecting and Converging Ideas”After generating lots of ideas, it’s time to narrow them down to select the best one to prototype.
Convergence Techniques
Section titled “Convergence Techniques”- Dot Voting
- Each participant votes on their favorite ideas
- Most-voted ideas move to the next phase
- The 4-Category Method
Ideas are categorized as:
- Rational Choice → The most logical
- Favorite Choice → Most liked by the group
- Consensus Choice → Agreed upon by most
- Risky Choice → Bold, innovative, but uncertain
Goal: Select the strongest, most viable idea to prototype and test.
Final Summary
Section titled “Final Summary”The ideation phase helps generate a wide range of ideas before selecting the most relevant one.
It’s divided into two steps: Divergence (creativity) and Convergence (selection).
Key Techniques:
Section titled “Key Techniques:”- Brainstorming → Free group sharing
- Brainwriting → Silent writing and idea building
- Crazy 8 → 8 quick sketch ideas in 8 minutes
- Mind Mapping → Visual idea organization
- Selection Methods → Dot voting or 4-category sorting
The goal is to end up with one strong, viable idea for the next phase: prototyping!