Phase 3 Ideate
In this third phase of design thinking, as many ideas as possible are collected based on the knowledge of the target group, the challenge and the problem statement. It is therefore about quantity, not quality. In design thinking, you don’t have to come up with the best solution right away. Thinking out of the box is allowed. The weirdest ideas can lead to the best solutions. So initially, it is not important whether the ideas are possible and fit the needs of the target group. Some ideas that don’t fit can lead to other ideas that do. So don’t be limited.
At the end of the ideate phase, filter and test the ideas for quality and see if they fit the needs of the target group. Several ideas can also be combined into one solution. The ideate phase is creative and full of opportunities for co-creation.
In this phase, we have detected 5 Co-creation methods to gather ideas (in yellow), and 4 Co-creation methods to select ideas (in blue).
Co-creation methods to gather ideas
1. Brainwriting
Brainwriting is a method for generating a lot of ideas in a very short time. Because everyone is writing down ideas for themselves, it is a method to involve even the less assertive. The sheets of paper on which the ideas are written can also be passed around. The next person then associates the ideas of the previous person. In this way you can create loads of ideas.[1]
2. Yes, and
This method can be used to continue associating on other people’s ideas. It prevents too many objections being raised in a brainstorm when new ideas are generated. This reduces creative blockages and allows shared ideas to emerge.[1]
3. Worst Possible Idea
Looking for the worst possible ideas breaks the fixed idea that every suggestion must be good. Looking for good ideas can cause you to get stuck or to keep generating ideas that already exist. Coming up with bad ideas puts you in a different mindset and creates a different energy through which you gather completely different ideas. Coming up with the opposite of the worst ideas will bring you back to good ideas.[1]
4. Crazy 8's
Crazy 8’s challenges people to come up with ideas quickly and creatively using simple sketches. The aim is to go beyond the first idea, which is often the least innovative, and generate a wide range of solutions to your challenge.[1]
5. Sensorial
This brainstorming method helps you generate ideas that are outside your normal comfort zone. With sensorial you use your senses and develop ideas by associating on sense, vision, scent, feeling, hearing, and tasting.[1]
Co-creation methods to select ideas
1. Dot Voting
Dot voting is a quick way to reach a consensus on the most interesting ideas in a large collection of ideas. Dot voting uses gut feeling and the wisdom of the crowd to quickly make an initial mix of ideas. Once the initial shuffle is done, methods are used to look more closely at the most important ideas.[1]
2. Benny Hill Sorting (Thirty Five)
This tool helps to quickly select the most interesting ideas from a large pool of possibilities. As well as creating a ranking of ideas, it also creates a sense of ownership. This can be useful if the group is having difficulty letting go of their ideas.[1]
3. Six thinking hats
The six thinking hats is a method for looking at collected ideas from different perspectives. In this way, you gain insight into the feasibility and desirability of ideas and can start making a selection for the prototype phase.[1]
4. The Walt Disney method
The Walt Disney method allows you to develop ideas until it is suitable for prototyping. The method is based on the interplay of three roles: the dreamer (visionary, idea provider), the realist (creator) and the critic (quality manager). They all look at the ideas from their own perspective and constantly hone it.[1]