Lesson – The ideation process

Ideas are the start to everything, also to your new career as a social entrepreneur. Although it might look like generating good business ideas is easy, the “EUREKA” one is not the result of “divine inspiration” or a talent, but one of attitude and (hard) work. Products or experience designers are responsible for solving its final user’s needs, especially in terms of a social venture, so there is a real need to understand potential clients and consumers, empathise with them and come up with creative, innovative solutions.

Ideation processes can assist you in thinking outside the box, challenging previous assumptions, and exploring new possibilities. Furthermore, with the previously mentioned “creativity” attitude, you are already on the right track of the journey. The techniques discussed in this module, as well as any other creativity techniques you come across, can assist you in generating an idea that can turn into a successful one and lay the groundwork for your business. Unless and until you make an idea work, it is just that: an idea.

“It is by questioning the obvious that we make great progress. This is where breakthroughs come from. We need to question the obvious, to reformulate our beliefs, and to redefine existing solutions, approaches, and beliefs”, (Don Norman).