Stuck for an idea? Try the generation game

Fed up staring at a blank piece of paper as you try to get some fresh ideas flowing for a new product or piece of art? You need to organise an ideas generation session. Easy enough if you work in a company with other people. If you are a one-person outfit, call in a few favours from your business network, creative community and/or family. Lay on the coffee and plenty of biscuits.

Four dos and don’ts to get the best out of the session:

1.    appoint a chair and a separate notetaker

2.    set a time limit of around 30 minutes

3.    encourage off the wall ideas – as many as possible

4.    analyse and combine ideas

5.    don’t have a group of more than 12

6.    don’t allow criticism of ideas

7.    don’t be afraid of some silence –it will encourage thinking

8.    don’t allow any individuals to hijack the session

At the least, this should shake up your ideas and give you a fresh perspective. Even better, it will produce some creative solutions. 


Adrian Burns is part of a team supporting  the West Midlands community of interiors & lifestyle companies. Find out more at www.ilfutures.co.uk



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