Ideation, strategy and tactics

When you have a big idea, communicating the idea will involve ideation tools. And if the idea is the strategy, then ideation tools become the tactics, or operational means, for communicating the idea. But does a great idea (strategy) depend on brilliant ideation tool skills (tactics) for success? Arguably, if the idea is strong enough, you can get by with mediocre ideation tool execution. But why risk letting down a big idea through poor communication? Although it could be said that even the best tools (tactics) can’t compensate for a lousy idea (strategy).

Projecting ideas on the spot

Generating and developing ideas using smartphone (touchscreen) technology can be taken to the communication and presentation stages by using built-in or attached pocket sized projector. As ideation happens in many places, never has it been easier to project ideas to others on-the-spot, anytime, anywhere.

Touch, sketch and go

Traditionally designers use pen and paper to capture, develop and share ideas with others. But with the advance of digital devices such as tablet computers and smartphones controlled by multi-touch displays, sketching on-screen is now a working alternative to pen and paper. Moreover, the multi-touch display combined with the processing, storage, editing, and communication power of the computer is turning the smartphone into an effective on-the-go ideation tool.

Ideation barriers

Ideation calls for curiosity and openness to experience and innovation. But without losing spontaneity ideas need to be organised and managed too. And if ideas seem slow to develop or get stuck don't go for the easy option of blaming external factors. What stops ideas from happening is often as much down to internal barriers and obstructions as external ones.

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.