Ideation themes

Each workshop has an ideation theme or task agreed beforehand. Themes can take on many forms, appearing differently depending on the context. They can relate to place, function, artefact, or narrative, and be either common, universal or specific. Common themes often resonate across genres or disciplines, whereas a universal theme is a central idea or concept resonating with people across cultures and periods. Unlike more specific themes, which may be tied to a particular story or culture, universal themes explore fundamental aspects of the human condition that reflect real-life experiences. A good idea typically  involves making connections between concepts and life experiences. Inspiration for ideas can come from the past, future, or the world around you, and there is a range of devices to help achieve this. For example, physical and digital tools including drawing, modelling and computing. Or literary devices like metaphor, symbolism, and character development to explore deeper meaning. But whatever theme, they can inspire us to explore ideas which reflect the essence of our human experience and place in the world.