James Web Young wrote a book called A Technique for Producing Ideas. It was originally published in 1940 but it is still very popular today. It was written to help people produce their own creative ideas especially if they are like myself and are struggling to come up with ideas. In this book he developed one of the most popular approaches to creatively
James Web young famously referenced Vilfredo Pareto’s quote. “What is most valuable to know is not where to look for a particular idea, but how to train the mind in the method by which ideas are produced; and how to grasp the principles which are the source of all ideas.” “…an idea is nothing more nor less than a new combination of old elements.”
Simply try make links or connections between unrelated facts is a good way to produce ideas.
The first Step is Gather Raw materials. This may be from experience or related products
Second Step is to Digest Materials– Start of by putting your ideas together. Bringing together your data to see if it fits well. Eventually it will all start piecing together.
Thirdly Internalize Materials Unconsciously. Don’t over think too much about the problem. Take some time and Step away from the problem even go for a walk. Let your subconscious take over.
Fourthly the Eureka Moment. You may be surprised but the idea might pop into your mind out of nowhere. It could to you naturally.
The last step- bring your ideas to life. Be confident with your idea and see what other people think it. No matter how stupid it may sound take a risk. It’s important to try test your product in the world. Submit your idea and you may be surprised how good it may be. Take any feedback that comes to your help improve/ enhance your idea.
Reflection
I felt these steps were very useful. I will try these different techniques to help me produce ideas for elements project. Hopefully it will let get in the right mindset and allow to come up with some interesting ideas which I can share to others to see what they think.
