Ideation Phase

Ideation methods are where the creativity really begins to flow. These methods are used to generate a wide range of ideas that could potentially solve the problem identified in the defining phase. Some common ideation methods include classic brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, and Crazy 8's. By generating a large number of ideas and suspending judgment, teams can explore a variety of possible solutions and push beyond the obvious or initial ideas. Ideation methods are an important step in the design thinking process, as they allow teams to generate a wide range of potential solutions and explore new and innovative ideas.

In order to support your design thinking project, we have compiled a selection of useful methods:

1. Classic Brainstorming: Classic brainstorming is a technique used to generate ideas in a group setting. It involves free association and encourages participants to build on each other's ideas. Here is a resource for using classic brainstorming: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/brainstorming

2. Reverse Brainstorming: Reverse brainstorming is a technique used in the ideation phase of design thinking to identify potential problems or obstacles that may arise when implementing a solution. Instead of asking how to solve a particular problem, reverse brainstorming asks how to create or exacerbate the problem. By focusing on the opposite approach, the team can identify underlying issues and generate new, unexpected solutions.

   For example, if the problem is how to improve customer satisfaction, the team might ask: "How can we make customers really unhappy?" The team can then identify potential pain points or areas for improvement, such as long wait times, confusing interfaces, or poor communication.

   Reverse brainstorming can be particularly helpful when a team is stuck in their thinking or when the problem is complex and requires a different perspective. It is often used in combination with other ideation techniques like classic brainstorming Here is a resource for using reverse brainstorming: https://www.mindtools.com/a32qxsh/reverse-brainstorming

3. Crazy 8's: "Crazy 8" is a rapid sketching exercise used in the ideation phase of the design thinking process. It involves folding a piece of paper into eight equal parts and then setting a timer for eight minutes. During this time, participants are encouraged to sketch eight different ideas related to the design challenge, spending no more than one minute on each sketch.

   The idea behind Crazy 8 is to encourage quick, divergent thinking and generate a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. By setting a time limit and a specific number of sketches, participants are forced to let go of their inhibitions and focus on quantity rather than quality.

   Crazy 8 is often used in combination with other ideation methods, such as classic brainstorming, to help generate a wide range of ideas that can be refined and narrowed down later in the design process.

   Here are some additional resources on Crazy 8: https://designsprintkit.withgoogle.com/methodology/phase3-sketch/crazy-8s