Unleashing Your Inner Genius: Ideation in Human Centred Design (HCD)

A range of innovative solutions ready for real-world testing, brainstorming your way to genius!

You will:‍

Explore multiple creative solutions through ideation.
Generate bold ideas that spark breakthroughs and push boundaries.

EXPLORE

1

DEFINE

2

DISCOVER

3

CREATE

4

TEST

5

DO

Welcome to the Idea Factory: Let’s Dive into Human Centred Design!

Hey, brilliant business builder! So, you've got your problem statement locked and loaded… awesome! But what’s next? It's time to turn that well-defined problem into a treasure trove of innovative solutions. Enter the world of Ideation(just a fancy word for coming up with ideas) in Human Centred Design (HCD),where creativity meets strategy, and ideas go from "meh" to "wow!"

This is where you get to have some fun, think big, and explore all the ways you can solve that problem you’ve just uncovered. Ready to brainstorm like a pro? Let’s get started!

Why Ideation is Your Business Superpower

Ideas are the currency of innovation. Whether you’re launching a new product, tweaking a service, or reinventing your business model, ideation is where you generate the concepts that could be your next big thing. But here’s the kicker: ideation isn’t just about coming up with any idea—it’s about creating the right ideas.

Unlocks Creativity:

When you ideate, you open the floodgates to creative thinking, which leads to fresh, out-of-the-box solutions.

Explores Multiple Paths:

Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, ideation lets you explore different approaches and choose the best one.

Inspires Innovation:

The best ideas often come from the wildest brainstorming sessions. Ideation encourages you to push boundaries and think beyond the obvious.

The Challenges of Ideation (and How to Crush Them)

Sure, ideation sounds exciting, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls and keep the ideas flowing.

Fear of "Bad" Ideas:

It’s easy to get stuck because you're worried your ideas won’t be good enough. Remember, there’s no such thing as a bad idea during brainstorming! Every idea is a stepping stone to greatness.

Groupthink:

When everyone’s on the same page, it’s easy to miss out on unique perspectives. Encourage wild ideas, diverse viewpoints, and don’t be afraid to play devil’s advocate.

Jumping to Solutions Too Soon:

It’s tempting to latch onto the first idea that pops up, but hold your horses! The best solutions often come after you’ve explored a range of possibilities.

Case Study: How Netflix Nailed Ideation and Changed the Game

Back in the day, Netflix was a DVD rental service that mailed movies to your doorstep. But as streaming technology emerged, Netflix faced a pivotal moment: how could they evolve in a rapidly changing market?

Through a rigorous ideation process, Netflix didn’t just pivot—they revolutionised the way we consume media. They brainstormed countless ideas, from streaming content to original programming, and tested different business models. They embraced bold, innovative thinking, leading to game-changers like binge-watching and personalised recommendations. By constantly ideating and iterating, Netflix transformed from a DVD rentalcompany into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Guided Activity: Ideation in Action

Ready to spark some genius ideas? Let’s go!

1 Step 1: Start with Your Problem Statement

Take the problem statement you crafted earlier. This is your launchpad. Keep it front and centre as you dive into ideation.

2 Step 2: Run a Brainstorming Blitz

Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down as many ideas as you can—go wild—no idea is too crazy at this stage, no filtering allowed! This fast-paced approach helps you bypass your inner critic and let creativity run wild.

3 Step 3: SCAMPER Your Way to Innovation

SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Use these prompts to look at your problem from different angles and spark new ideas.

Use the SCAMPER technique to take your ideas further. What happens when you Substitute, Combine, or Reverse different elements? Keep pushing your ideas beyond the obvious.

Example:

Substitute: What if instead of food, you delivered meal kits?
Combine: Can you merge food delivery with a social dining experience?
Adapt: How could you adapt your service for people with specific dietary needs?
Modify: What if your app had a game-like feature to reward loyal customers?
Put to another use: Could you use your delivery network to also transport other goods?
Eliminate: What if you removed delivery fees—how could you make that work?
Reverse: What if customers came to pick up food from a central location?

Pro Tip: Take a break after your ideation session, then come back with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed at what new ideas pop up after a little distance!

Hack It with Free Tools:

MindMeister: A free online mind-mapping tool that helps you organise and expand your ideas visually.
Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard perfect for remote brainstorming sessions with your team.
Random Word Generator: Throw in a random word and see how it sparks fresh ideas related to your problem. It’s a fun way to shake up your thinking!

You’ve completed the Create Section:
On to Testing!

Amazing work! You've completed the Create phase!
‍
Look at all those brilliant ideas! You’ve explored creative solutions and stretched your thinking—now it’s time to see which ideas shine in the real world.

Next stop: Test! We’ll put those ideas to the test, gathering feedback and refining them to make sure they’re on the right track.

GO TO TEST