Ideation freedom

Although ideation, ideally, has no limits, often there are constraints set by the brief or the client. But there might be self-imposed constraints too, that is, ideators confine themselves to tried and tested ideas that have worked well in the past. So, to minimise self-imposed limitations or restrictions, be aware what kind of thinking and behaviour might be holding back unencumbered ideation. Such awareness may include stepping out of your comfort zone and, for example, rather than logging in to the computer first thing, scribble a poem on the theme of the brief. Or, taking risks, say, making a small sketch modell and then crumbling or setting fire to it (health & safety rules considered). Or, taking a totally different conceptual approch to the task in hand by, say, figuratively speaking, "putting the cart before the horse". And so on and so forth. Indeed surprise yourself!

Why sketch or make models?

Exploring ideas in a quick, informal, and rough manner, as might be sketched out on a scrap of paper (such as the back of an envelope), also known as a thumbnail sketch, is core to the design process and the ideation workshop. Equally, a physical 3D sketch model, hastily made and incomplete may serve the purpose of expressing first thoughts and ideas. In contrast, producing 2D sketches or 3D sketch models using software (CAD), arguably lacks the immediacy of physical ideation tools. So why sketch on paper or make physical models? Says Gavin Henderson of Stanton Williams, the Sterling-prize winning architecture practice: 'I take a pencil and make marks on paper. I take pieces of card and hold them together, reconfigure, cut, pin, add, fold, subtract, assemble, carve, disassemble, reassemble. In each case the hand thinks.' He continues: 'Making by hand explores thoughts that are unpremeditated, pre-verbal, non-linear. The idea evolves before the brain has had time to set boundaries, enforce preconceptions. The craft of making things, whether drawings or models, is the essence of design.' Moreover: 'The model provides a shared focus for design discussion in a way that promotes interaction, the exchange of ideas and an engagement with the messy, physical, creative process of designing the world in which we live.' Reference: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/why-make-models