Idea Generating Techniques Feedback

Random Ideation

This was my group's idea for an idea creating technique. We wanted to see how well completely random combinations of ideas would work out, as opposed to having some intelligence behind the process of creating the ideas. What worked was that we were able to show that while the process sometimes worked, it was important to have people working out the ideas. What did not work was the randomization process itself: we took too long inputting and collecting the data to randomize, and it made most of the class lose interest. To improve this, I think we should instead have our own items already input, so that we can just focus on picking out workable ideas from the random generator, rather than having to wait on the process.

Inheritance

The inheritance method was used to have each of us put into a situation where we had to think about what kind of a business would be possible to create, and all of the individual aspects of a business. What worked was that it created an in-depth look at what each kind of business would have to deal with, who their competition was and other aspects that we might not think about ourselves. What didn't work was that it made some of the ideas for business kind of vague, and most people focused more on thing like 'who their competition would be' than more obvious things like 'why is this needed, and what is our competitive advantage'. To improve it, I might give each group a product and have them brainstorm the details about a business that would sell it, to save time and keep people moving.

New Purpose

The new purpose for an object exercise allowed us to look at an every day object and think about what uses it had outside of the normal intended function. This worked well, because each group member could easily contribute and no two people would have identical ideas for such an abstract project: a water bottle would become both a hammer, and a flower pot. What didn't work was some of the objects were two bizarre to find a 'useful use' for lack of a better term. To improve this, I would use more common objects, and make people think about what kinds of new things they could do with objects that they see every day.

Wordmap

The wordmap exercise had all of us working towards one goal: starting with the idea of 'textbooks' we brainstormed some of the influences on and characteristics thereof. This worked well as the entire class was able to add ideas to one project, which made us more active in the beginning as we quickly came up with thinks to go in the web/map. What didn't work was that at one point the class got complacent, and we all felt like 'someone else will answer them' and we ended up sitting in silence for awhile. To fix this, I would suggest that they call on people if an answer is not forthcoming.

Value Proposition Examples

1. Keep track of your thoughts and classes. Notebooks help students organize their notes and keep themselves on track and have been valuable since before you were born.

2. Stay hydrated wherever you go with bottled water. Portable and practical, it is easy to take with you and will keep you running throughout your busy day.

3. Fans control air flow and keep your rooms lively and cool. Use them in windows to invite the outdoors into your home, or simply cool yourself down on a hot summer day.