There is a lot of beauty, even magic, in the process of transforming a vague idea into a finalized product. This ideation process creates amazing end products through various structured tools. While many people may assume that websites and popular apps magically pop up, this is far from true. An exhaustive ideation process is nearly essential to bring about a useful and practical end project. In this blog, I will dive into the magical world of ideation.
What is ideation all about?
The process of generating a broad set of ideas on a given topic, with no attempt to judge or evaluate them.
Nielsen Norman Group
During this phase, we generate many ideas and thoughts about the end product. We consider the problem, challenges, and available solutions. Some of those ideas might become viable solutions, while others may be put on the back burner, and it’s ok. This is what ideation is all about. You can cut various vegetables into different shapes and sizes, but you won’t necessarily include all of them in your final salad.
The main focus at this stage is brainstorming a diverse array of ideas instead of refining them. The purpose of the ideation session is to reveal fresh perspectives and innovative approaches—essentially, to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.
The ideation phase is a crucial step that connects our understanding of users and the challenges they encounter to generate potential solutions.
Ideation methods:
There are several techniques for generating ideas and addressing user problems. These can be conducted individually or in a group, either in person or online, and can vary from quick sessions to longer workshops.
Each ideation technique generates creative ideas and solutions for a specific purpose. Some of the most popular techniques include mind mapping, brainstorming, brainwriting, sketching, and storyboarding, among others. Each one has its own properties and specific goals. Some enable you to visualize the user’s experience and the need for a solution. Others allow you to develop additional features and enhance the functionality of the final product. The foundations of the art of ideation rely on the methods we choose while always keeping in mind the goal of finding the right solution for the user.
Cookit app – My use of ideation methods:
The problem:
To date, there are no resources available that provide personalized meal ideas based on the ingredients we have at home and the time we have for cooking.
There’s a growing trend of both dining in and dining out, with more people opting for expensive restaurant meals instead of healthy home-cooked options.
This trend has several drawbacks. For one, dining in restaurants is often more expensive than cooking meals at home. Moreover, many restaurant dishes can be unhealthy and lack essential nutrients. By frequently relying on restaurant food, you might lose track of the specific nutrients you are providing your body. And what about the precious family mealtime? This has been declining over the years, losing its place to pizza diners and junk food chains.
Lastly, have you tried searching for a specific recipe on the internet recently? It’s a culinary jungle out there, and the endless browsing can sometimes be time-consuming and fruitless.
The suggested solution:
An app that provides personalized recipe suggestions and meal ideas based on the groceries you already have at home. It would consider your available time for cooking, food allergies, and preferred cuisine.
Ideation method 1: Mind Map
This visual thinking tool aids in organizing our understanding of a topic or problem. It helps us recognize the connections between different concepts and easily identify patterns, especially when a topic has many moving parts.
In my experience this ideation technique helpme think broadly about the topic. I began by placing the logo at the center of the screen. Then, i branched into four main categories: layout, existing solutions , benefits and the app’s business model.
This ideation method enabled me to delve deeply into each aspect and gather a diverse array of ideas. I meticulously recorded every thought that surfaced and all the potential benefits the app could offer. For instance, I created multiple design concepts for recipe tutorials, which opened up the possibility for a more engaging experience beyond just a written recipe. This included options for video tutorials and even audio instructions, enhancing interactivity for the users.
Additionally, in the mind map, I assessed the existing solutions I am currently using for this purpose. I illustrated how these apps failed to meet my needs. Ultimately, I generated ideas for business models regarding the development and maintenance of this app. For example, certain features offered in the app will be available through a membership plan.
Ideation method 2: Sketchstorm
This ideation process involves rapidly sketching out ideas for a project. It emphasizes generating a wide range of initial concepts and exploring various compositional options across the different screens that help users achieve their goals. Sketchstorm conveys the core idea instead of prioritizing aesthetics in the design.
This is my favorite method because it allows me to visualize how the app would look. When I began this process, I focused on the layout branch of my mind map, integrating additional features to enhance functionality according to my analysis of the existing solutions. For example, I added a feature that scans food items in the fridge instead of manually listing them.
I designed the screens for each icon in the tab bar to highlight the features that users can find on each option. I frequently moved the icons around the screen to determine the best placement based on functionality. Additionally, during this ideation process, I assessed the interactions between the app’s services, as manifested by going from one screen to another.
Ideation method 3: Storyboards
Storyboarding effectively illustrates the main elements that influence how people interact with products. Here we can replicate the user’s experience with the product and evaluate its value in regards to the underlying problem.
This ideation method enabled me to articulate the user experience both before and after using the product. By taking this approach, I was able to vividly demonstrate how the product could effectively transform the user’s life. As an imagined future user of the app, I aimed to highlight the pain points and challenges encountered, capturing the emotions experienced without the product. Next, I showed the user’s journey with the app, highlighting the emotions that emerge during interactions and the positive impact of the product.
I believe that using visuals to tell a story is more impactful than relying solely on words. It allows me to effectively express the user’s emotions and personal experiences.
Conclusion:
Throughout this process, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of ideation in the design thinking process. I now understand how each ideation method is essential for generating valuable insights and potential solutions for users. True solutions arise only when we fully engage in the ideation process to address the specific user challenges. In the future, I aim to master each method and its unique utilization in the design process.
Below is the full pdf report of my ideation process and findings
