How to find your best idea

 

What is the top method of finding solutions to complex problems that most leading companies are using? Ideation. Why? Because businesses are finding that the old ways of brainstorming are not working. Instead today's leading companies are using the PROCESS of ideation.

How do we ideate?

Your process can be simple or elaborate. What needs to be understood is that ideas grow from seeding idea makers (you) with the need and allowing them time to freely process solutions to the problem. Unfortunately we can't just wait for ideas to pop into our heads, there needs to be a catalyst. A clear example of what designers do to find solutions is by sketching. Designers are professionals at this but anyone who can draw stick-figures can sketch out ideas. This is a quick process that pulls your ideas visually out of your head. You'll be amazed at what you might come up with. These ideas could be how customers enter your business, or what an order might look like, or a print advertising. Don't waste time using applications to get your ideas out. A pencil and paper is much faster.

Why Not Use an Application

Why sketching when there are so many powerful applications out there? Sketching allows our brains to freely create "instantly." Applications can be distracting. Busying our minds with looking for images or choosing fonts or that perfect word to express your idea. Even typing can be distracting: making sure your grammer is correct. Working in an application is simply "the cart before the horse." First comes the idea, define that idea on paper, then find the elements to clearly state the idea. By ideating we find the needle in the metaphorical haystack of so many possibilities.

6 steps to find your best idea

This process is designed to push you to think beyond your first idea to get to that idea that has the sizzle and the wow.

Tools: pencil and paper.

1. Determine your main objective. Note it at the top of the paper. (Example raise sales)

2. Under your objective write down the different available methods. (Example advertising, marketing, cold calls)

3. Sketch as many small 2-inch by 3-inch thumbnails for each idea (Keep it simple: stick figures are okay. You want to convey your idea visually beyond just words. For some this might be difficult to do but anyone can do it.)

4. Place the sketches in a place you will see throughout the day. (Go about your day. If you have new ideas add them. Don’t erase any ideas yet).

You’ve started the process of ideation. You’ve seeded your mind with the tools your brain needs to grow your little idea into a big one.

5. After a week sit down and pick five of the best ideas and try to clarify/draw your ideas as best you can. This will make your mind think even further into the possibilities. The more details the more you will challenge your mind.

6. Review the drawings for about another week. After this week passes you should feel good about your idea, thought through the pit-falls and possibilities.

Now you’re ready to take action and make it happen.

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