Design thinking resource
The collaborative process of generating, developing and communicating many possible ideas in response to a challenge or opportunity.
Ideation applies creative thinking to produce many possible responses to a problem or opportunity. Collaboration, brainstorming, mind mapping, reverse thinking and lateral thinking help teams move beyond predictable ideas.
The goal is not simply quantity for its own sake, but a rich field of possibilities from which promising products, services, projects or solutions can emerge.
Ideation can be restricted by the belief that creativity is innate, by overthinking, fear of failure and groupthink. Unfamiliarity, limited time or information, stress and other mental blocks can also reduce creative participation.
People often dismiss an idea before it has been explored or remain silent when it differs from the majority. A productive process deliberately protects emerging ideas from premature judgement.
Diverse perspectives and areas of expertise reduce groupthink and create new connections. A supportive environment allows unconventional suggestions to be shared without embarrassment.
Dedicated time, collaboration, responsible risk-taking and a willingness to learn from failure help creativity become a repeatable team practice rather than an occasional accident.
Put the method to work
Bring together different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences to widen the available thinking.
Create an open environment where unfinished and unconventional suggestions can be voiced safely.
Give people permission to move beyond familiar responses and test uncertain possibilities.
Build on the ideas of others and combine perspectives into new directions.
Set aside focused space for exploration without allowing immediate delivery pressure to dominate.
Treat unsuccessful attempts as evidence that supports learning and innovation.
Why it matters
Produce alternatives beyond the first, safest or most obvious answer.
Allow different people to contribute to and develop the emerging response.
Combine ideas and perspectives to uncover opportunities that were not visible initially.
Evaluate ideas from a richer field of possibilities rather than choosing between too few options.
Continue exploring
Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.