Strategies for Idea Generation

Last semester, during my advanced design thinking course, I explored a variety of creative brainstorming techniques. From brainwriting to rapid thinking, each method offered a unique approach to generating ideas. Now, for my latest user experience assignment, I chose to employ mind mapping and rapid thinking to explore new concepts.

Mind mapping proved to be particularly enlightening. I mapped out ideas and connected them under different headings, allowing my thoughts to flow freely. This method encouraged me to explore diverse connections and possibilities, fostering a rich tapestry of concepts.

Rapid thinking, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of creativity. I gave myself just one minute to jot down every idea that came to mind without hesitation. This exercise was liberating as it allowed me to bypass self-censorship and uncover raw, unfiltered insights.

I intentionally avoided reading the articles provided by my professor beforehand. I feared preconceived notions might stifle my creativity. Instead, I embraced the freedom to make mistakes and iterate. After completing my brainstorming sessions, I eventually turned to the articles for validation, finding that they affirmed some of my initial thoughts.

During a collaborative brainstorming session with my team, we utilised a Figjam board. While beneficial, I also recognised potential bias when exposed to others’ notes. This awareness prompted me to maintain a critical distance and foster independent thinking.

Our professor suggested a powerful technique in class: adopting different perspectives, even fictional ones like Batman’s. This imaginative exercise helped me understand diverse motivations and generate a plethora of innovative ideas.

I also integrated valuable prompts from the professor, such as “Why do we need to solve this problem?” and “How could we solve their specific problem?” These questions encouraged me to empathise deeply with potential users, resulting in sticky notes filled with tailored solutions. To organise my thoughts further, I engaged in affinity mapping. Clustering similar ideas into themes provided clarity and direction, paving the way for actionable insights.

For the final step, I posed a challenge to ChatGPT using a prompt inspired by my studies: “What are some ideas for a mobile application that could address these user needs and stories?” ChatGPT responded with several promising concepts, offering fresh perspectives that I have yet to explore.

This journey through advanced design thinking has been transformative. It has not only expanded my creative toolkit but also deepened my understanding of empathetic design and collaborative innovation. As I continue to refine my ideas, I look forward to applying these newfound insights in future projects.