Module 3
Lesson 1: Examine Ideation Techniques
Context:
When developing solutions, it’s tempting to quickly act on the first
idea that comes to mind. However, creating effective and innovative
solutions demands a structured approach to idea generation. In this
lesson, "Generating Solution Ideas," we will learn to systematically
brainstorm and refine solutions that not only address the identified
problems but also resonate with our customers. This methodical
process is vital for developing viable, impactful, and customer-
centric solutions, crucial for standing out and succeeding in the
market.
Program overview,
and your Venture Journey
over 14 weeks
Core Concepts Covered in this Lesson:
Overview of Brainstorming: Understand the fundamental concept
of brainstorming as a collaborative technique aimed at
generating multiple ideas within a limited timeframe. Explore
how brainstorming facilitates divergent thinking and fosters
creativity in solution ideation.
Brainstorming Guidelines: Explore guidelines for effective
brainstorming sessions, including the importance of suspending
judgment, prioritizing quantity over quality, building on ideas,
encouraging wild ideas, maintaining focus on the problem, and
setting time constraints. Learn how adherence to these
guidelines enhances the productivity and creativity of
brainstorming sessions.
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Appreciate the Benefits of Ideating in Your Teams: Gain insight
into the advantages of collaborative ideation within teams,
including enhanced creativity, diverse perspectives, and the
ability to generate a wide range of solution ideas.
2. Master the Ground Rules: Familiarize yourself with the ground
rules of effective brainstorming, including suspending judgment,
prioritizing quantity, building on ideas, encouraging wild ideas,
maintaining focus, and adhering to time constraints.
3. Apply Solution Brainstorming Based on the Problem Your Team
has Identified: Apply the learned principles of brainstorming to
practice solution ideation based on the specific problem your
team has identified. Utilize the brainstorming guidelines to
generate multiple ideas and explore potential solutions without
prematurely settling on a single concept.
Steps for you to take:
Understand Brainstorming and apply it to your problem statement
Generate as many solution ideas as possible.
Benefits of Ideating in Your Teams using the Brainstorming
technique
Brainstorming is a collaborative idea-generation technique where
team members share and discuss ideas freely without immediate
criticism or judgment. The goal is to foster creativity and gather a
wide range of potential solutions to a problem.
It typically involves the team coming together setting clear
objectives, and encouraging participation from all team members.
Team ideation leads to the generation of multiple ideas, ensuring
that the team has a wide array of solutions to choose from.
Incorporating diverse perspectives prevents the team from being
confined to a single way of thinking, encouraging a broader and
more rounded approach to problem-solving. This diversity in
thought helps the team explore various directions, increasing the
likelihood of finding the most effective solution. Consequently,
team members can compare and refine these multiple ideas,
ultimately selecting the best possible solution to address the
problem comprehensively.
Many organizations have effectively utilized brainstorming to
generate successful ideas. Let’s explore some examples and use
cases to understand how brainstorming can be leveraged
effectively.
Product Innovation:
Example: Tech companies like Google use brainstorming to develop
new features and products. For instance, Google’s “20% Time” policy
allows employees to spend 20% of their time working on any project
they choose, leading to innovations like Gmail and Google News.
Use Case: Teams can brainstorm to identify new product features,
improve existing products, or create entirely new product lines
based on customer feedback and market trends.
Marketing:
Example: Advertising agencies often hold brainstorming sessions
to generate creative campaign ideas. A famous example is the
“Share a Coke” campaign by Coca-Cola, which personalized bottles
with popular names, increasing sales and customer engagement.
Use Case: Brainstorming helps marketing teams come up with
innovative campaign ideas, social media strategies, and
promotional activities that resonate with target audiences.
Cost Optimization:
Example: Manufacturing companies like Toyota use brainstorming
techniques as part of their Kaizen approach to continuous
improvement. Employees suggest ways to reduce waste, improve
efficiency, and cut costs.
Use Case: Teams can brainstorm to identify areas where costs can
be reduced without compromising quality, such as streamlining
processes, renegotiating supplier contracts, or finding alternative
materials.
Hiring:
Example: Companies like Zappos use brainstorming sessions to
refine their hiring processes, making them more efficient and
effective. They focus on creating a unique company culture that
attracts top talent.
Use Case: HR teams can brainstorm to develop new recruitment
strategies, improve the candidate experience, and enhance
employee retention programs.
Ground Rules for Brainstorming
Here are the general rules for effective brainstorming
Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue you aim to solve to
ensure everyone understands the focus of the brainstorming
session.
Select a Diverse Group: Choose participants from various
backgrounds and areas of expertise to bring different
perspectives and ideas.
Set Ground Rules: Establish guidelines to ensure a respectful,
open, and productive environment where all ideas are welcomed.
Choose a Facilitator: Appoint someone to guide the session, keep
the discussion on track, and ensure that everyone participates.
Generate Ideas: Encourage all participants to share their ideas
freely without fear of criticism or judgment.
Do Not Evaluate: Refrain from evaluating or critiquing ideas during
the brainstorming phase to maintain a flow of creativity.
Group and Categorize: Organize the generated ideas into
categories or themes
Call to Action
Complete Venture Activity 3.1- Generate Solution Ideas
Review your team’s problem statement. Look at the root causes,
impact and personal connection you have articulated as a team.
Brainstorm Ideas: Once you're familiar with the problem
statements, start brainstorming!
Defer Judgment: Encourage all ideas, no matter how
unconventional.
Go for Quantity: Aim to generate as many ideas as possible within
the time limit.
Build on Ideas: Encourage each other to build upon and combine
ideas to create new concepts.
Encourage Wild Ideas: Don't be afraid to think outside the box and
explore unconventional solutions.
Collaborate with Your Peers: Discuss your ideas with your
classmates. Share your thoughts and listen to theirs. You might
discover new perspectives or build upon each other's ideas.
Capture Your Ideas: Write down your brainstormed ideas on sticky
notes, on a whiteboard, or in your notebook. Make sure they're
visible and easy to reference later.
Reflect on the Process: Take a moment to reflect on the
brainstorming session. What ideas stood out to you? Which ones do
you think have the most potential?
