After the idea ...

'After the idea there's plenty of time to learn the technology', says James Dyson of vacuum cleaner fame. However, having relocated production to the Far East, Dyson is keen to make the UK the leading high tech exporter in Europe arguing that 'We need more entrepreneurs. We need more innovators. We need more scientists, engineers and designers who can turn ideas into working products'. Some challenge then when faced with the decline in British manufacturing.

Metaphor as ideation tool

Often associated with literature, art and poetry, metaphor is commmonly used when generating and communicating design ideas, and whether the idea is abstract, concrete or visual. Using metaphor is arguably a more persuasive technique than simile using "like" or "as" because a metaphor carries stronger emotions than a simile (whereas metaphor is a figure of speech, a simile is more of a logical argument). The strategic use of metaphor, then, is a powerful ideation tool that can make the difference between success and failure of idea presentation.

Idea sharing

Communicating ideas is more than getting other people excited about your idea. In collaborative situations it’s also about sharing ownership of ideas where you can be seen as the creative leader of your idea allowing others to contribute and push the idea forward. The risk with sharing ownership is that you might feel “losing control” of your idea. That risk, however, should be balanced with the opportunity of having your idea appreciated, supported and realised more quickly.