Reflective ideation

Efforts to get the ideas flowing - "Just begin" (see the previous blog entry) - are enhanced through capturing and reflecting on the process of generating and developing ideas. That is, to keep a sketchbook, notebook or visual diary to help track and reflect on the ideation process as it happens, or "reflection-in-action" (Schön 1991). Capturing and reflecting on the ideas generated, moreover, will help raise the awareness not only of what ideation tools and techniques are being used in the process but also feelings, sensations and reactions associated with the process. That is, keeping track of what happens during the ideation process is turning ideation into a recorded learning experience.