Module 2: Problem-Solving & Idea Evaluation
Ideation Principles
Defer judgment
During ideation, no idea is a bad idea. A non-judgmental environment makes people confident in expressing their opinions. Say ‘yes and’ instead of ‘no but’, there is plenty of time to evaluate and filter ideas later on.
Go for quantity
It is not the time to evaluate ideas yet. Aim for as many new ideas as possible: a greater number of ideas leads to a bigger chance of producing a radical and impactful solution. Stimulate the ‘yes, and’ attitude, instead of saying ‘no but’.
Encourage wild ideas
Generate weird, crazy ideas that force you to think about what you really want. Remember: it is easier to dilute wild ideas than to generate entirely new ones. Dare to think differently!
Build on the ideas of others
When we listen to other people, we lower the risk of getting trapped in our thinking structures and increase the chances of sparking new ideas. Let external expertise and insights inspire your solution. Look for examples and analogies across industries.
Be visual
Nothing can transform an abstract idea into a concrete solution faster than drawing it. Combining sketches with notes helps you activate the whole brain to synthesize, comprehend, and remember ideas better. Artist or not, it is better than not drawing at all!