In this Make:able toolkit, we’ll be guiding you in generating a vast array of design ideas, before selecting a key idea to take forward. Watch the overview video below before browsing through the idea generation methods and tips. Then use your key learnings to plan and implement your idea generation strategy. Remember that at this stage, we are thinking divergently to generate ideas and not detailed designs! For example, by the end of this toolkit, we might determine we want to design a tactile chess set but we don’t need to be thinking about it’s form and function until the next stage. Again, feel free to use the methods in this toolkit or explore alternatives.
Icon sketching is a visual brainstorming activity where you draw out ideas as basic icons, within a limited space and in a set time period. This ensures you don’t focus too much on detail because the aim is to go for quantity over quality. Download the template below and read the instructions to get started.
The group brainstorm activity is for teams generating ideas to any given question or problem. It focuses on the notion that everyone should have a say and there are no right or wrong answers. Download the group brainstorm instructions below.
Priority diagramming is a method that helps you to analyse and map out your ideas in order of importance, to determine a key idea to take forward. It should be used in combination with a practical idea generation method such as icon sketching or group brainstorming. Download the priority diagramming instructions below.
Dot voting is another effective method used by teams to determine favourite ideas/solutions. The method is based upon using sticky dots (or digital dots) to vote on a given set of data. It’s biggest benefit is that it gives every group member an equal chance to participate in the decision making process. Download the dot voting instructions below.
Looking for more methods? Check out the free trial to PrintLab and head to the Design Method Toolkit – a complete library of problem-solving and design activities that can be used at each stage of the design process. Methods are separated into 4 categories – research, design, evaluation and storytelling. Each method comes with step-by-step instructions, an example and worksheet templates where relevant.
*If you are a student under 18, please request that your teacher signs up to the trial on your behalf. They will then be able to share the Design Method Toolkit with you.
Steven Parkinson, Project Programme Manager at Autodesk, talks to us about not falling in love with your very first idea.
When generating ideas, have a computer nearby where you can research existing solutions in the market. Take inspiration from them but try not to reinvent the wheel. Think creatively about how 3D printing can be used to innovate and create fresh, new solutions!
Remember that you’re designing for someone who might have completely different needs, tastes and desires to your own. So make sure to use your empathy studies to drive your ideas.
Ruby Steel from Studio Exception talks to us about another fun idea generation called Crazy 8's. We also recommend taking a look at the Studio Exception website (https://www.studioexception.com/) to learn about their innovative approach to design.
When generating ideas, work to your team's dynamics. Some teams might prefer individual ideation time, followed by group analysis. Others might work better brainstorming together.
In addition to practical ideas, include wild unconventional ones that might help you go beyond the obvious to uncover new and exciting perspectives. Many great solutions are an amalgamation of both wild and practical ideas so don’t forget to experiment with this.
At this point, you should have analysed a vast number of ideas and selected a key idea to take forward. The final step before we move on to the next toolkit is to generate a list of design criteria. These are essentially a set of ‘must have’ guidelines to follow when transforming your idea into a solution. Again, these should be driven by your empathy studies and might include points about ergonomics, weight, size, shape, aesthetics, cost etc.
Design criteria can be set out as a basic text list, or alternatively if you want to get creative, you could use the priority diagramming method again but in a different way. Rather than mapping out ideas onto the bullseye chart, you can map out design criteria/features and place them in order of importance.
In this section, we highlight several examples of how other teams have documented the idea generation stage of their journey.
A simple way to document your idea sketches is to simply pan your camera across your work. If using this technique, move slowly and try to keep as stable as possible.
An alternative technique to document written or drawn ideas is to simply take still images. When it comes to editing your final video, you can either insert them as stills, or add slight zoom effects for a more dynamic look.
Consider documenting the actual process of generating ideas – whether this be drawing or brainstorming. When doing this, you may want to keep the camera in a static position so you can focus on the task at hand.
If doing brainstorms or other idea generation methods digitally, the obvious technique is to screen record the process. However, also consider action shots taken from the background that help to capture the collaborative nature of your project.
Did you create physical documents like idea charts? Consider pinning them up in a well lit area and explaining them.
We introduced you to b-roll in the empathy section, and it’s also important in each stage of your journey. In this example, the team captured some secondary footage of them doing some online research. With b-roll, go for quantity! You’ll be glad you did this at the end of your journey.
In this video, Rob shows how he uses his empathy studies to drive a range of initial design ideas.
Before moving on to the next toolkit, you should have achieved the below objectives.
Go to Next Toolkit – Design + Make