Idea generation
App used for that
What is idea generation and why it's important?
The generation of ideas is described as the process of creating, developing and communicating abstract, concrete or visual ideas.
It is the front end of the idea management funnel and focuses on finding possible solutions to perceived or real problems and opportunities.
As mentioned, ideas are the first step in making improvements. We, as individual human beings, to progress depends on new ideas. From an individual's perspective, new ideas can help you move forward if you feel stuck with a task or are unable to solve a particular problem.
Maybe you are looking for new ways to overcome a creative block or are you looking for a better solution to your problem?
Maybe you need new ideas so that you can fully explore a new opportunity?
When it comes to your organisation, generating and collecting new ideas from your employees is the best way to discover creative and tacit knowledge. The ability to create and develop new ideas allows you to do so:
Stay relevant
Make positive changes happen in your organisation
The process of generating ideas
Before you get more people involved in using these tools and techniques to generate more ideas, here are a few more tips that can help you get more out of your ideation.
Define the problem or opportunity
While this is obvious, the more accurately you can describe your current or perceived problem or opportunity, the more likely you are to actually generate actionable ideas. Before you begin, try to gather as much information about the problem as possible to get to the root of the problem. Identify what you already know about the problem and what information is still needed.
Involve the right people
In order for your idea to be as productive as possible, it is important to involve the right people in the process. Involve the people who know the topic and are genuinely interested in making a change in your organisation. If you plan to involve a larger group of people in idea generation, make sure your audience is relevant and knowledgeable about the topic.
Set restrictions
Communicating that any idea is a good one can hinder creativity, so make sure your goals are ambitious and specific enough. One way to get more of really creative ideas from your audience is to impose restrictions.
If your overall goal was to cut costs, it's likely that people would suggest ideas such as cutting back on office equipment or buying cheaper coffee. However, the ideas you will get will be very different if you ask yourself, "What can we do to save 70% on costs?"
Without limitations, people usually come up with small suggestions for improvement with little or no creativity. But if you describe the challenge in more detail and set more ambitious goals, people should really use their imaginations to achieve a desired outcome.
The process of generating ideas
Before you get more people involved in using these tools and techniques to generate more ideas, here are a few more tips that can help you get more out of your ideation.
Define the problem or opportunity
While this is obvious, the more accurately you can describe your current or perceived problem or opportunity, the more likely you are to actually generate actionable ideas. Before you begin, try to gather as much information about the problem as possible to get to the root of the problem. Identify what you already know about the problem and what information is still needed.
Involve the right people
In order for your idea to be as productive as possible, it is important to involve the right people in the process. Involve the people who know the topic and are genuinely interested in making a change in your organisation. If you plan to involve a larger group of people in idea generation, make sure your audience is relevant and knowledgeable about the topic.
Set restrictions
Communicating that any idea is a good one can hinder creativity, so make sure your goals are ambitious and specific enough. One way to get more of really creative ideas from your audience is to impose restrictions.
If your overall goal was to cut costs, it's likely that people would suggest ideas such as cutting back on office equipment or buying cheaper coffee. However, the ideas you will get will be very different if you ask yourself, "What can we do to save 70% on costs?"
Without limitations, people usually come up with small suggestions for improvement with little or no creativity. But if you describe the challenge in more detail and set more ambitious goals, people should really use their imaginations to achieve a desired outcome.
