Ideation

The tools and techniques used in Ideation & Creative Thinking can be organised  into 7 categories:

Here are 7 categories to group these tools:

Category 1: Brainstorming Techniques

• Brainstorming: A group of people come together to generate as many ideas as possible within a set time frame.

• SCAMPER: An acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Rearrange, which are used to generate new ideas by applying these different techniques to existing ideas.

• Reverse Brainstorming: A technique where the group identifies a problem and then generates ideas that would make the problem worse, and then reverses those ideas to come up with solutions.

• Starbursting: A technique where the individual writes down a central idea and then generates as many new ideas as possible around it.

• Mindset Shift: A technique where the individual shifts their mindset to generate new ideas and insights.

• Design Thinking: A human-centered approach to innovation that involves empathy, creativity, and experimentation.

These techniques involve generating ideas in a group setting, often with a facilitator to guide the process.

Category 2: Visual Thinking Tools

• Mind Mapping: A visual tool used to organise and connect ideas, using words, images, and colours.

• Visualisation: A technique where the individual uses virtualisation techniques to generate new ideas and insights.

• White-boarding: A technique where the individual uses a whiteboard to generate and organise ideas.

These techniques involve using words and language to generate ideas, such as writing down as many ideas as possible or using random words as a starting point. 

Category 3: Word-Based Techniques

• Free Association: A technique where the individual associates random words or ideas to generate new ideas and insights.

• Free Writing: A technique where the individual writes down as many ideas as possible without stopping or worrying about grammar or spelling.

• Random Word Generation: A technique where the individual generates a random word and then uses it as a starting point for generating new ideas.

These techniques involve using words and language to generate ideas, such as writing down as many ideas as possible or using random words as a starting point.

Category 4: Role-Playing and Storytelling

• Role-Playing: A technique where the individual takes on different roles and perspectives to generate new ideas and insights.

• Storytelling: A technique where the individual uses storytelling to generate new ideas and insights.

These techniques involve using different roles and perspectives to generate ideas, such as taking on a customer's perspective or using storytelling to explore different scenarios.

Category 5: Analogies and Lateral Thinking

• Analogies: A technique where the individual uses analogies to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.

• Lateral Thinking: A technique that involves thinking outside the box and making unconventional connections between ideas.

• Design Thinking: A human-centred approach to innovation that involves empathy, creativity, and experimentation. 

These techniques involve making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, such as using analogies to find new solutions or thinking outside the box. 

Category 6: Software and Online Tools

• Ideation Software: Software tools such as Ideaflip, Ideaflip, and Ideaflip that help facilitate the ideation process.

• Online Tools: Online tools such as IdeaMason, Ideaflip, and Ideaflip that help facilitate the ideation process.

These tools use technology to facilitate the ideation process, such as software programs or online platforms that help generate and organise ideas.

Category 7: Physical and Index Card Techniques

• Sticky Notes: A technique where the individual uses sticky notes to generate and organise ideas.

• Idea Cards: A technique where the individual uses index cards to generate and organise ideas. 

These techniques involve using physical materials, such as index cards or sticky notes, to generate and organise ideas, such as writing down ideas on cards or using sticky notes to brainstorm

How it works:

The process of Ideation & Creative Thinking typically begins with a clear understanding of the problem or challenge that needs to be addressed. The expert then uses one or more of the tools and techniques listed above to generate and develop new ideas and solutions. The process is often facilitated by a trained facilitator who helps to guide the group and ensure that everyone is working together effectively.

The tools and techniques used in Ideation & Creative Thinking can help to stimulate creativity, encourage collaboration, and foster innovation. By using these tools and techniques, WE can generate a wide range of new ideas and solutions, and can help to drive innovation and growth in their organisations.