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This section is paraphrased from Hutchinson and Karsnitz
Ideation is the term used for a group of methods used to generate ideas. Ideation methods involve creative thinking. We usually try to find the 'right answer' by using deductive or convergent thinking. This has been referred to as logical or vertical thinking. . Deductive thinking is essential for many things, but it is not helpful for generating design options. For creative thinking to work, there must be no right or wrong answers - just ideas. This is divergent thinking, also called lateral thinking. Ideation methods include:
| Lateral thinking involves identifying the dominant idea in a situation, then looking outside that idea for new possibilities. Once the dominant idea is identified, then it is possible to find different ways of looking at the problem. |
| Analogies are similarities between unlike things. Making an analogy involves identifying what is common between two completely different things. |
| Brainstorming requires two or more people. An exchange of ideas is used to generate the development of more ideas. Brainstorming is open-ended since all ideas are accepted without judgement. Imagination and acceptance of new ideas are essential. Criticism is not allowed. Ideas are evaluated after the session. More ideas are better than fewer. Group ideation is better because of the group dynamic. A specific time limit works better. |
| Synectics is a method of changing one's perspective or outlook. It enables one to view a problem in a new way by making the strange or unusual seem familiar and the familiar seem strange. One method is to imagine that you are the product (solution). Two questions need to be answered, "who do I affect?" and, "who affects me?". By working with others, these questions can lead to different ways of looking at the problem and the solution. |
| Sketching and Doodling are techniques for putting ideas on paper very quickly. Sketching is freehand drawing which follows the rules for technical drawings. It includes techniques for orthographic and pictorial drawing, including isometrics. Doodling tends to be more freeform, but it can include sketching techniques. Both are basic to the language of designers. |
| Incubation is the process of allowing enough time for ideas to form. Some good ideas are of the Eureka! variety, but most are not. They take time to formulate. Often this processing occurs when we are not deliberately thinking about the ideas. After a period of absence from the problem, new fresh ideas often occur. |