Here, we highlight two mechanisms for idea generation. One involves systematic explicit reasoning. The other involves recognising underlying similarities.
We then describe two methods based on these mechanisms; systematic constraint relaxation, and pattern matching.
Best practice in idea generation is to generate ideas first, and to assess them afterwards.
This approach gives systematic coverage of both mechanisms for idea generation. It also enables fast, efficient assessment of the ideas that are generated.
Idea generation via constraint relaxation
What you need:
•A list of key constraints (e.g. the stairs must be inside the building) in the format shown below, which makes it easier to keep track.
•A hard copy of the list for each member of the idea generation group, or one large copy visible to everyone on a poster or PowerPoint slide.
•Tell the group to imagine that the first constraint no longer applies.
•Encourage the group to suggest ways of solving the problem without the first constraint.
•Use only positive phrasing; encourage even wild ideas. You can weed out the bad ones later. The best ideas often look wild at first sight.
•Record the ideas that are generated. You can either appoint a scribe, or ask group members to write down their ideas.
The simplest approach is to relax only one constraint at a time. But sometimes you’ll notice a good solution that requires relaxing more than one constraint simultaneously.
Continue to the end of the list of constraints.
Idea generation via pattern matching
What you need:
A large set (at least 50) of random images, either as soft copy slides or on one card per image.
Tip: Resist the temptation to select images that are related to the problem you’re trying to tackle. This method works much better with apparently unrelated images.
•If using a screen, make sure everyone can see the screen clearly.
•If using cards, make sure everyone can easily reach all the cards.
If using a slideshow: allow 2-5 seconds per slide, and allow group members to ask for it to be paused while they write ideas down.
If using cards: ask each group member to look at each card for 2 – 5 seconds and then return it to the pack.
Whenever a group member has an idea, they write that idea down, without telling the other group members what it is.
Where next?
You can assess the ideas in various ways, including:
Idea Writing where each idea is written on a separate sheet, and a group of people write comments on each idea, like an online comment thread.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making where you list the ideas on one axis of a spreadsheet, and assess them against relevant criteria (e.g. cost or feasibility) listed on the other axis.
Other methods that complement idea generation
•Upward laddering on goals and values, to find out why the participant considers something important.
•Downward laddering on explanations, to find out what the participant means by a particular term.
Copyleft Hyde & Rugg 2021