DCI-09 Creative Ideation 1

DCI-09 Creative Ideation 1 – Module Overview

Linus Pauling, Double Nobel Laureate said “The best way to get a good idea is to get lots of ideas.” That is the essence of this eModule and DCI-10, and in these we will look at the principles of creative idea generation, along with a great set of simple tools you can apply on your own or in a team.

While it is accepted that many many ‘creative’ ideas seem to spring up at surprising times, and very often from the mind of an individual, we know that that ‘flash of insight’ is almost always preceded by some solid research and ‘mind preparation’. We often attribute great new ideas to ‘Luck’ but as Samuel Goldwyn said “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”.

Ideas on demand through deliberate ideation (Idea Generation) are almost always underpinned by a disciplined approach to thinking, particularly collaborative thinking in teams. We definitely want to generate, capture and value those ideas that seem to come from think air, but if we are depending on these to solve the really tough problems, develop new products, service or strategies to stay ahead of the competition, or progress in our own career, then we are putting ourselves and our organisation at real risk.

So DCI-09 and 10 look at Deliberate Creative Thinking tools for successful Ideation. If you are working within a Six Thinking Hats framework this would fall under the Green Hat, and the tools we will look at will strengthen the Green Hat considerably.

In this eModule we’ll start with a look at creative ideation principles, review Brainstorming because it is so often done poorly, then we’ll introduce lateral thinking and a couple of simple tools from that tool kit. In the next eModule we’ll add several more tools you can use, but for now let’s get started…

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Learning Outcomes

Learn the principle of collaborative idea generation
Move beyond brainstorming to generate the ideas you really need
An introduction to lateral thinking and how to get more ideas, when you need them

Content

4 videos totalling 40 mins
Brainstorming and beyond
Introduction to Lateral Thinking
Random Word and Concept Extraction
Concept fanning to extend ideas into new areas

Exercises – Brainstorming followed by lateral thinking

In this module you are challenged to try a number of different Ideation methods. Start with doing a simple Brainstorming exercise, with a small group if possible.

Then try the Random Word exercise. I have given you a focus, so go through the process of using the Random Word and generate at least 20 new ideas from various words and attributes. If you wish post your output to your Cohort Discussion page (if you have one) so others in your group can learn from your experience. When doing this, comment on how it felt, how well it worked and what you noticed.

The last exercise is the Concept Extraction exercise I give you in the last video. I recommend you try it, and it would be great to see you post your ideas to the Cohort page.

Idea generation is often the activity most associated with creatvity, and while very important is only one aspect of the process – but it can be the most fun part,so enjoy these exercises. Once you’ve done these exercises try the techniques on an issue of your own, but keep it simple and fun to star