Mindmap: A Reference for Ideation Techniques

In a previous blog post, I went over four different ideation techniques that individuals can utilize to generate ideas for meeting user needs. Those four techniques, Braindump, Brainwrite, Mindmap, and Sketch, were simple introductions to ideation activities. However, if you are seeking new and creative ways to conjure up ideas and potential solutions to a problem, there are a vast amount of ideation techniques and resources available and accessible.

Ideate as part of UX Design Thinking

In User Experience design, Ideate is the third step in the Design Thinking process. Led by Empathize and Define, Ideate is an innovative stage in which teams generate quick and simple ideas that can be transformed into designs and solutions later on. Ideation involves coming up with various ways to address your user’s needs. In this stage, it is important to generate multiple ideas instead of focusing on a few. Additionally, viewing your problem alternatively and thinking outside the box is encouraged. 

“You ideate by combining your conscious and unconscious mind. You combine your rational thoughts with your imagination.”

I^{ntroduction to the Essential Ideation Techniques which are the Heart of Design Thinking by Interaction Design Foundation}

Brainstorm as a Starting Point

So what ideation techniques work best? And which method should you try first? The ideation technique that is the most popular and most likely practiced is Brainstorm. People often turn to Brainstorming when they want to develop new ideas and strategies. During a Brainstorm session, participants work together to blend ideas they generate into one workable solution. Brainstorm encourages free-thinking, open discussion, and wild ideas, without judgment or criticism. 

Although Brainstorm is a great starting place, there are many other ideation techniques that may suit different teams, team numbers, scenarios, working styles, and goals. Furthermore, the outcome of each technique will be distinct.

Techniques Beyond Brainstorm

Beyond Brainstorm, there are various ideation methods that can be organized into different categories. Some of these techniques are closely related to others, while some are unique and special. Some require pen and paper, while others are thought-based or conversation-based. Altogether, while problem-solving, each of these techniques can be utilized to formulate a concrete solution idea.

Ideation Technique Mindmap

I recently created a Mindmap of a number of ideation techniques, organizing them by category and their relationship to their counterparts. Moving forward, I plan to use this Mindmap as a reference for my future ideation endeavors and you can too!

Following is a quick rundown of each ideation method included in the Mindmap. For a closer look, feel free to download the full PDF below.

Brainstorm & Family

• Brainstorm: Leveraging the synergy of a group to reach new ideas by building on others’ ideas. Generated ideas are blended together, resulting in one workable solution.
• Braindump: Very similar to Brainstorm, braindump is a silent ideation method achieved individually. With a timer set, participants write down their ideas on sheets of paper, cards, or sticky notes. Later on, these ideas are shared with the group for further discussion. 
• Brainwrite: This technique encourages participants to write down their ideas on paper and then pass their piece of paper to another participant. This participant elaborates on the first person’s ideas. A few minutes later, the papers are passed again, and so on. Finally, the pieces of paper are collected and posted for discussion.
• Brainwalk: This method resembles Brainwriting, except participants walk around the room to find new “ideation stations” where they can elaborate on other participants’ ideas.

Inverted Techniques

• Worst Possible Idea: This fun, stress-relieving technique encourages participants to come up with the worst possible solution ideas. Worst Possible Idea intends to lighten the mood and get creative juices flowing. 
• Pessimist Vs. Optimist: This ideation method finds creative solutions in an unexpected way — by way of observing the conversation between a pessimist and an optimist. By building upon one another’s responses, a general idea can evolve into a more relevant one within the conversation between someone who is hopeful and someone who is practical. 

Systematic Techniques

• Break & Build: Breaking down complex thoughts into more detailed pieces of information or building upon simple ideas to reach a broader viewpoint results in a range of related information. In the end, the solution can be based on the wide range of information identified during this process. 
• Mindmap: Mindmapping is a graphical technique in which participants build a web of relationships. By branching out from a central main idea, this strategy creates a visual representation of related terms and ideas.
• Brainstorm Graphic Organizer: Brainstorming Webs, Tree Diagrams, and Flow Diagrams help visually structure a deep dive into a problem space. Brainstorm Graphic Organizers visually communicate the rigor required of most Brainstorming sessions.

Illustrative Techniques

• Sketch: Creating rough sketches of possible solutions is an illustrative way to generate ideas. Sketching sparks creativity and innovation, things needed for a successful ideation session. The key to the sketch technique is to refrain from committing a lot of time to well-developed sketches. The sketches should be as simple and rough as possible with just enough detail to convey meaning.
• Storyboard: Developing a story relating to the problem, design, or solution which needs to be explained or explored. Attaching a story to an idea evokes emotion, making the idea more understandable and relatable. Storyboards include pictures and quotes from users of the app, product, or service, and communicate the context in which a technology or form factor will be used. They help visualize the main concept from start to finish. 
• Right Braining: Releasing creative thoughts by doodling incomplete images. Leaving out portions or aspects of an image can spark creativity later. The different images can later be combined in different ways to generate new ideas.

Unpredictable Techniques

• Randomness: In this technique, participants find the connection between a random word or thought and a general topic to develop a new creative idea. Starting with a general idea, participants select a random object and come up with a list of words that can be used to describe the object or are associated with it. Finally, participants pick the words from the list that can relate back to the general idea to create a solution.
• Mash-Up: A fun exercise that “brings odd or unexpected things together to spark fresh ideas.” After developing a “How Might We (HMW)” question to identify a current problem needing a solution, Mash-Up encourages participants to list elements from two broad, unrelated categories. Next, participants cross-pollinate the list items to develop crazy, new ideas. Finally, five ideas are selected to name, sketch, and build upon.

Visual Research Methods as Ideation Techniques 

• Image Board: Collected pictures, illustrations, or brand identity imagery can be used visually to communicate an essential description of targeted aesthetics, style, audience, context, or other aspects of design intent. Image boards and mood boards have many uses, but, essentially, they capture and communicate the overall design idea and intent to designers, design teams, clients, and more, in a tangible way.
• Word Cloud: A method of information visualization that organizes text-based content into interesting spatial arrangements. Word clouds are “colorful word collages” that show the most frequently used words or word pairs in a text-based source document. They are communicative artifacts for design teams. Observing words related to the app, product, or service in a dynamic arrangement can spark new ideas.
• Collage: Collaging allows participants to visually express their thoughts, feelings, desires, and other aspects of their life that are difficult to articulate using traditional means. Patterns and themes across several collages can point out important aspects to focus on.
• Photo Study: This technique invites the participant to photo-document aspects of his or her life and interactions, providing the designer with visual, self-reported insights into user behaviors and priorities. Designers can use this insight to identify pain points and develop user-specific solutions. 
• Journey Map: This technique follows the user along their journey as they utilize an app, product, or service. UX professionals experiencing the journey alongside their users can identify and strategize for key moments in the product, experience, or service. 

Final Thoughts

As stated earlier, the amount of ideation techniques available is innumerable. If you are looking for creative ways to generate new ideas, skip Brainstorming and check out the following resources. I’m sure you’ll find something that works perfectly for you.

• IDEO Design Kit Methods
• Introduction to the Essential Ideation Techniques which are the Heart of Design Thinking by Interaction Design Foundation
• Learn How to Use the Best Ideation Methods: Brainstorming, Braindumping, Brainwriting, and Brainwalking by Interaction Design Foundation