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Section 3 Creating Technology
books. They might even listen to inspiring
music. Designers often see pictures or
hear words that spark ideas for solutions
to their own problems.
There are several different methods
of ideation. Some people find one works
better for them than others do. Three of the
main methods are brainstorming, graphic
organizers, and questioning.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a method used to
develop many ideas. This method is useful
in small groups for coming up with unusual
solutions. The group members are often
selected to include people with different
backgrounds. It is helpful to have people
with different knowledge and experiences
because they bring new and different ideas
to the activity. Brainstorming is a process
that begins with the design problem. The
process has several steps.
In the first step, the small group must
choose a leader and a recorder. The
leader starts and ends the brainstorming
and makes sure the group stays on task.
The recorder is in charge of recording all
the ideas shared. See Figure 13-5.
Next, the leader sets a time limit.
Brainstorming is done best when a time
limit is set. The group members stay more
focused if they have only a certain amount
of time. At this point, the leader shares the
design brief with the group. The leader makes
sure everyone understands the problem. The
ideas generated must solve the problem.
The group leader also shares the research
conclusions. It is important that the research
is used to come up with ideas.
The members of the small group all
focus on the problem. The group leader
then asks for ideas. The group members
try to list as many creative ideas as
possible. Solutions can become very
creative when people get ideas from each
other. One person might present a new
idea. The new idea might spark an idea in
your mind. You might never have thought of
your idea without the other person’s idea.
Brainstorming works well when the group
members use each other’s ideas to add
to their own. In brainstorming, as in other
forms of ideation, it is important that there
is no criticism. If people are criticizing or
making fun of ideas, people do not want
to share their thoughts. The best thoughts
might not be shared if people are afraid to
give their ideas.
Throughout the whole session, the
recorder makes notes of all the ideas devel-
oped. When the time is up, the leader must
stop the session. The leader might ask all
the group members for one final idea. Once
the group is done, the brainstorming is over.
The notes will be reviewed later in the design
process. The main purpose of brainstorming
is to develop a list of ideas. The purpose is
not to choose the final solution.
Graphic Organizers
A graphic organizer is another
method of developing ideas. This method
is a diagram that helps to organize
thoughts. One person or a group of people
can create a graphic organizer.
Figure 13-5. A typical brainstorming session
can generate many ideas.