Good ideation habits

Although experiments suggest that scientists problem-solve by analysis, whereas designers problem-solve by synthesis, there's is synergy in combining the two with each discipline learning from each other's approach to problem solving. So, to find a solution to a hard problem or perform a hard task, scientists typically structure the problem or task in a way that allow success. For example, a hard task such as interpreting a complex set of data might involve a structured process of retrieving, selecting and checking background facts (in some contexts, designers’ ability to understand and interpret data is becoming increasingly important). The better the scientist knows these facts, and the more effectively they devise an efficient plan to evaluate them, the more readily they will solve the problem. As they do more problems, the facts come to mind more easily, and they follow familiar plans to evaluate each. In general, structuring hard problems get better with experience. This is one reason that practice makes scientists more efficient and successful at hard tasks, and why experts outperform novices. Finding work habits that encourage this process helps staying focused. That includes staying with the task and taking breaks. It’s not helpful to insist on trying to get everything done at once, if it just isn’t working. Taking a break, then, might allow new concepts and structures to be considered allowing time for gradual development, or incubation to help problem solving. Furthermore, interacting with others can help conceptualise a problem in new ways. Talking to people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and viewpoints can be a powerful way to break out of a rut and make progress. Moreover, spontaneous interactions and making time for informal discussion over work can be helpful and avoid isolation. In short, problem-solving habits formed by scientists could be applied in the design field, and many designers have been inspired to adopt or develop such habits. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00606-x?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

How objective is ideation?

Design is primarily an objective process in its methods and techniques whereas evaluation of the design outcome contains both objective and subjective judgements, say "function" versus "feel" of the designed product or service. Design ideation, however, is, arguably rather a subjective process. It is based on socio-economic realities yet influenced by cultural values and contexts, and, at least in a western perspective preconditioned on freedom to speak, to express one’s self, and to live in societies with fairness and justice. Ideation, then, turns the early stages of the design process mainly into a subjective activity that reflects the values, tastes or opinions of the designer/ideator. The subjective approach, however, does not exclude designing with the end user in mind. That is, the designer designs with empathy too.