Learning by doing

The ideation workshop reflects the notion of learning-by-doing, or experiential learning, a pedagogical approach that highlights the general idea that hands-on experiences favour the development of the creative individual than those brought about by uniform second-hand knowledge. In other words, self-initiated and self-directed thinking and doing rather than activities where the individual is being told what to do. This approach, moreover, implies the using of eye-hand coordination, and the other senses where necessary, to govern tools within the context of generating and communicating ideas (ideation tools). Such an approach, which allows the individual to excercise choice and judgement is core to ideation. That is, the workshop allows trial and error, the application of individual imagination and experience and, crucially, feedback. In short, learning by doing.

Tools for ideation

Ideation may reflect a complex system of thinking and behaviour that is so unpredictable as to appear random. Yet everyday ideation also suggest that there is a risk of getting ovewhelmed or lost in the modishness of design, as, say, found in the plethora of print or online media. So this is where ideation tools may help create meaning out of what may at first appear a rather chaotic situation. Now, there are plenty of such tools around, from pen and and paper to screen based devices, such as mobile apps. The point is though you have to work for the ideation tools to work for you. That is to say, if you really want a tool to work for you with which to tackle a project, then you have to put it through some tests and tasks (the ideation workshop provides such opportunity). If it holds up to those, then you can keep it as your go-to ideation tool. Or tools rather, because there is intellectual pleasure as well as sensuous delight in having the skills, and therefore the creative prowess of a range of ideation tools.