278
Section 3 Creating Technology
to a hearing aid. Another idea might be a
digital phone with a computer video display.
See Figure 13-2. These are two different
solutions to the design of a telephone.
You do not want to create ideas such as a
red desk phone and a black desk phone.
That is narrow thinking. These ideas are
essentially the same thing, with only the
color differing. The small changes, such
as color, can be made later. It is impor-
tant that designers explore many ideas.
Exploring ideas is called ideation.
Creating a number of new ideas to
solve a problem is ideation. The process
of ideation is creative and imaginative. See
Figure 13-3. Creativity leads to new ideas
and solutions. The solutions created at this
step should be simple and rough. Later in
the process, the solutions will be revised
and refined. Ideation begins by reviewing
the problem and design brief. Remember, the
solutions developed must solve the problem.
The solution must also fit the criteria and
limitations. After reviewing the design brief,
the research conclusions must be reviewed.
This review helps the designer understand
Figure 13-1. Sketches are ideas on paper. (Design Central)
Figure 13-2. Broad thinking leads to new
solutions to problems. (Motorola, Inc.)