A technique for rapid idea generation!!!!!

Peter Otto UK UXPA 21 March 2013

Constrain: •  Format (e.g. paper only) •  Time (set time limit and number of solutions) •  Tools (no computers, just sharpies)

…to avoid getting into detail

De-constrain: •  Technologies (anything is possible) •  Scope (no project limitations) •  Resources (whatever it takes, it can be done!) …to break out of preconceptions, heuristics and biases

Anything is possible.

Share in a group.    

   

   

   

   

   

   

Idea Generation (Fluency, Originality, Incubation and Illumination)

Personality (Curiosity and Tolerance for Ambiguity)

Motivation (Intrinsic, Extrinsic and Achievement)

Confidence (Producing, Sharing and Implementing)

Let’s put the technique in practice:

Something silly to warm up and get you in the mindset.

Wide solution space = more potential ideas!Simple possible solutions = less time used!Humourous/absurd character = less worry

Examples: Design a device to amuse a dog… Design a device to communicate with aliens… Design a device to overcome traffic jams… Design a device to change the weather…

In a group of 3 design 3 solutions !in 3 minutes.!!Share some of you ideas…!

A more serious task to follow…

Design for Star Treck •  Travel into a future 300 years from now

Design 3 ideas in 6 minutes •  You need to find a solution to the problem for

PA’s to book video conferences with multiple people in multiple places.

They need to be able to: •  Find gaps in people’s diaries. •  Find available video conferencing facilities at

multiple locations. •  Make a booking

Turning the output into something useful:!!Extract key qualities and design drivers!!Translate ideas into today’s technology!

Thank you.!!!!Credits!Martin Storey and Aoife NiMhorain for introducing me the “warmup” design games, Alan Cooper for the “design for StarTrek” idea and Batey/Irwing for the four creativity traits.