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The Process of a Great Idea

As designers, it’s necessary to come up with great ideas. Whether it’s for your client’s website or for a future business, we need to be prepared to solve different problems. So I ask you:

How do you come up with a great idea? What process do you go through to come up with an idea?

I break down my process into 4 steps:

1. Relaxation - Before I start anything, I have to be relaxed. When I’m stressed out, I can never concentrate on solving the problem at hand. I usually lay down and listen to soothing music to clear my head.

2. Playtime - As ridiculous as this sounds, it is the most important step for me. I have a coloring book on my desk and I take 30 minutes to color in it to clear my mind. Doing this will help keep your mind blank and open for ideas.

3. Inspiration - I usually take a walk outside and look around to be inspired. I look at the scenery and the people around me because that will give me natural inspiration instead of encouraging me to copy as CSS galleries often do.

4. Brain Dump - To wrap it all up, I get out a pen and paper and write down everything that comes to mind. Even if you dislike the idea, put it down because it may lead to other ideas.

I would suggest trying this process or adapting it into your routine. It can be wonderful for your creative process because it will help you come up with great ideas to solve any problem.

 

Discussion (12)

1.Research in my client, the audience, the problem,
get full understanding what im dealing with .

2. A brake.
I also prepare myself. I do something fun (play video games, play my guitar, anything FUN ‘because being creative is fun!)

3. Storm my brain
I try to see connections between things.

If there is a problem i try to make it worse and worse, and write it down. And then take the the opposite of it.
Or the “make it worst idea” might be a good idea.
I know it sounds weird, take a look at the DIESEL campaign “Be stupid”. I find it really works.

Dont stop writing down, keep the flow going.

Making the idea visual does help me alot. Not only words, but a sketch of the idea. An idea starts in your head, get it out there, and it will grow.

Make design principles, and work it from there.

Ofcourse i had an GREAT idea in the train, bus, in the pub and so.

I did notice, that brainstorming in a group goes much better than by myself. I like to know the prosses others go through.

*Im a stundent, studying Interactive design in Amsterdam (its my third year.)
So sorry for my crap english. And Cheers!

 

Dont stop writing down, keep the flow going.

Making the idea visual does help me alot. Not only words, but a sketch of the idea. An idea starts in your head, get it out there, and it will grow.

These two pieces of advice are spot on. When you finally reach your peak, don’t stop writing and sketching. Both writing and sketching will help your ideas grow.

 

I’m a big proponent of knowing your toolset so well it becomes an extension of you. That way when the ideas start flowing you don’t get hampered by technology.

To that end if I’m working w/ someone and we need to sketch out an idea fast: sometimes it’s Photoshop that’s the right tool when I need a quick cut-and-paste app; sometimes it’s Powerpoint if I want them to modify the mockup; sometimes it’s pieces of paper that can be torn up, rearranged, and taped back together (I’m still a big fan of paper prototypes). I find that the majority of people are very visual people and the only way to truly communicate things is via pictures.

As for getting in the right mindset I agree with being relaxed. I find that most of my breakthroughs happen when I’m just waking up from sleep or near the midpoint of the morning shower. And after that it’s picking up my toolset to get the idea out of my head before I forget it.

 

As for getting in the right mindset I agree with being relaxed. I find that most of my breakthroughs happen when I’m just waking up from sleep or near the midpoint of the morning shower.

That tends to happen often. My best ideas come to me while I’m in the shower or about to fall asleep at night. Hence why I keep a notebook near me at all times because I hate losing those ideas.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I dont have a process or maybe i just haven’t divided in steps yet.

But i do agree in the terms of working in the creative side of your brain, that kind of activities described on top really help pressing the switch to turn your light bulb on. Have you ever noticed that usually you came with good solutions or ideas when you are not at work?

Thanks for sharing i will give a try to these methods, there its nothing to lose when you are trying to improve your workflow.

 

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