Ideate

From idea to innovation

Imagine you’re standing at the foot of a creative mountain, ready to climb. You’ve completed the define phase and have a sharp problem statement in hand. But how do you go from problem to solution? The ideate phase is your climbing gear, helping you ascend with new and innovative ideas.

In the ideate phase, it’s all about thinking freely and widely. This is the time for brainstorming, wild ideas, and bold thoughts. You’re exploring possibilities without limitations, letting creativity flow. The goal is to generate as many ideas as possible — no matter how crazy or unrealistic they might seem at first.

Creativity in action – step by step

Before diving into specific techniques, let’s take a step back and overview the ideate phase. Whatever method you use, you’ll typically go through these three steps:

1. Create an open environment: Start by building a safe space where everyone feels free to share their ideas. No idea is too strange. Encourage openness and positivity.

2. Generate ideas: Use different techniques to get the ideas flowing. Focus on quantity over quality at this stage — the more ideas, the better.

3. Sort and select: Once you have a big pool of ideas, start sorting and identifying the most promising ones. This is where you begin to see which ideas could become real solutions.

Techniques for the ideate phase

SCAMPER

SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Use these prompts to challenge your thinking and see the problem from new angles. For example: “What if we replace this function with something else?” or “What happens if we combine two elements?”

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique where you start with the central problem in the middle and branch out to related ideas and sub-ideas. It helps uncover connections and expand your thinking.

Role Playing

Role play can be a fun and engaging way to explore ideas. Let team members assume different roles and act out scenarios related to the problem. It often leads to insights and ideas that wouldn’t surface otherwise.

Crazy Eights

A fast and intense method where each participant has eight minutes to sketch eight different ideas. This pressure cooker approach pushes you to think fast and creatively — and sometimes the best ideas appear under pressure.

Why is the ideate phase important?

The ideate phase is like a creative lab where all ideas are welcome. This is where the magic happens, and new solutions come to life. A wide range of ideas increases your chances of finding innovative and effective solutions that truly make a difference. It also builds team spirit and engagement when everyone is involved in the creative process.

Practical tips for a successful ideate phase

1. Create a safe space: Make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. Eliminate fear of judgment or criticism.

2. Use a variety of techniques: Keep things fresh by using different methods. Try out several techniques and see which work best for your team.

3. Be open to everything: No idea is too wild. Some of the most innovative solutions come from unexpected places.

4. Stay focused on the problem: Even as you think broadly, keep your eye on the problem you’ve defined. That ensures your ideas stay relevant and actionable.

Methods for the ideate phase: From thought to action with concrete tools

Once you’ve clearly defined the problem, it’s time to let creativity loose. Here are some specific tools and techniques to help you go from thoughts to action during the ideate phase:

Mind Mapping

Start with your central problem and branch out to different ideas and sub-ideas. Mind mapping helps you see connections and broaden your thinking — like charting a creative journey.

Brainstorming Sessions

A classic for a reason. Gather your team and generate ideas in an open and safe environment. Remember: go for quantity over quality at first. Write down everything and stay open to all contributions.

Role Playing

A fun and engaging way to explore ideas. Let team members take on different roles and act out relevant scenarios. It often reveals new angles and potential solutions.

SCAMPER

Use SCAMPER to approach the problem from different perspectives. Ask: “What if we replace this feature?” or “What if we reversed the process?” It’s a great tool for challenging assumptions and sparking new thinking.

Brainwriting

Perfect for teams that prefer written processes. Each person writes down ideas and passes them on to someone else who builds on them. This promotes diversity of ideas and prevents dominant voices from taking over.

Crazy Eights

Each participant has eight minutes to sketch eight different ideas. The intense time limit and focused format force you to think fast and creatively. Some of your best ideas may come in these high-pressure moments.