I recently looked at an article which was wrote in 2010 called “Good Idea Grow in Paper” This article explains the importance of using paper to help us designers to grow and develop our idea. Paper of also the starting point of any great design. We should resist jumping onto the computer straight away and take time to brainstorm idea on paper.
A great design isn’t necessary about technique but being able to come up with a great idea.
How do we generate those idea?
Sometimes ideas can just pop into your head out of nowhere. As a designer it often consists of coming of a range of good ideas. There are good ways to help us come up with great ideas.
The must important thing is coming up with the right process.
Most great ideas start off on paper rather than the computer screen. It’s necessary to spend time coming up with a good idea it will be rather your time.
Generating ideas involves the process such as iteration, sketching and thinking aloud. These are the best methods in this fast environment.
The use of sharpies and flip chart combo is recommended to encourage generation. The tools we use can help us to quickly process our thoughts.
Key point
It’s the idea that matter not the medium.
Idea can be explained as
Input > Synthesise > Output
It’s important to put in constant input, in order to get a constant output.
Try and remain focus, trigger your brain and this will hopefully help you evolve your idea.
Many designers will have previous experience and knowledge of trying to come up with ideas. The more effort you put into coming up with an idea the easier it comes. The best ideas come after years of tired and tested approach.
They recommend writing out ideas to help in case your thinking and storing information in your mind. Scribing down ideas can help you quickly digest your info.
As well as writing, they encourage designers to make sketches as it helps you generate better ideas and think of ideas you might not have necessary thought about. Sketching is an important part of any design process.
There second piece of advice is always carry with you a sketchbook and pen. It should natural as remembering your phone and wallet.
More you use your sketchbook the better you can process ideas. A sketch room and pen allow you to survey the world around you.
“Sketchbooks are not about being a good artist, they’re about being a good thinker.” Jason Santa Maria
Learn to love old dusty buildings.
There are a lot more resources out there rather than Google such as exploring museums and libraries to increase your knowledge. They can help inspire you.
This can help set you apart from your peers.
The idea generation toolbox
Tools and techniques can hep solve the problem of blank canvas.
It’s important to be patient when coming up with ideas. Don’t just use the first idea in your head. By putting your minds together, you can come up with better ideas.
Making connections
Deciding Mind maps are a great way of making connections and generating idea visually. This involves grouping together data to see what data can be related.
The curveball
This forces you rethink your ideas and address the problem from a different direction.
This technique involves picking a card and try to address the problem in hand.
Reflection
This article is very interesting and makes you think of ways you can come up with ideas simply from paper. The tools are very useful and by following this advice in the article it can help set great designers apart.
Hopefully be looking at these techniques I can come up with a great idea.
