Making it happen

Ideation, unlike "brainstorming" (which is jumping from one idea to another while developing none), is more than coming up with ideas. It is as much about fine-tuning and communicating the idea in preparation for action to realise the idea.

Ideas for apples

If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas. GEORGE BERNARD SHAW (1856-1950)

Ideation language

Introducing the ideation workshop to design students in Singapore, the outcomes confirmed the importance of language when ideating. The dominant conceptual tool for getting started across 3-dimensional design disciplines (interior/furniture/exhibition/jewellery design) was words (written and spoken, including mind-mapping) which in turn triggered sketching (pen & paper), physical sketch modelling (using card, plastics, wire etc), and computing (multimedia/CAD), as single ideation tool or in combinations.

Ever ready tools

Tool-up for big ideas! A sharp mind needs sharp and ready tools. And to capture constructive daydreaming needs ever ready tools too.

Ideation "on-the-go"

Computers, mobile phones and handheld gadgets make up 58% of 16- to 24-year olds' media diet, according to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. This age group is particularly adept at "simultaneous" media consumption. They cram nine and a half hours worth of media into six and a half hours of actual time. This represents a growing trend in media consumption "on-the-go". How will this trend impact the use of ideation tools? Or is the use of a range of ideation tools already a kind of simultaneous media consumption?

Idea presentation

Successful idea presentation depends on skills and preparedness similar to, say, the Cambridge University admission interview: 'How well a candidate can explain what they know, and whether they can apply their knowledge to a new problem or argue their position'.

Ideation is interplay of images and words

Design is often thought of as a visual activity. But while visual tools are necessary for ideation, the ability to put ideas into clear words is important too, notably when presenting.