Ideation Techniques & Exercises
Generate creative ideas using structured ideation techniques like How Might We, Crazy 8s, and brainstorming exercises.
Prompt
Help me run an ideation session to generate ideas for [problem/challenge]. Include:
1. Preparation
- Problem framing review
- Success criteria for ideas
- Constraints to consider
- Number of participants
- Time available
2. Problem Reframing (How Might We)
Create 10-15 "How Might We" statements:
- Reframe the problem from different angles
- Start broad, then get specific
- Focus on opportunities, not solutions yet
- Make them actionable and inspiring
- Example: "How might we make onboarding feel effortless?"
3. Crazy 8s Exercise
- Instructions for 8 ideas in 8 minutes
- How to fold paper into 8 sections
- Tips for rapid sketching
- Focus on quantity over quality
- No idea is too wild
4. Brainstorming Techniques
For each technique, provide:
- When to use it
- How to run it
- Time needed
- Materials required
Techniques:
- Brain dump: Individual idea generation
- Round robin: Taking turns sharing ideas
- Build on ideas: "Yes, and..." approach
- Worst possible idea: Reverse thinking
- SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Reverse
- Analogies: "How would [company/person] solve this?"
5. Divergent Thinking Prompts
- What if we had no constraints?
- What if we started from scratch?
- What if we did the opposite?
- What if our users were [different persona]?
- What would [inspiring company] do?
- What if technology wasn't a limitation?
6. Facilitation Tips
- Create psychological safety
- Defer judgment
- Encourage wild ideas
- Build on others' ideas
- Stay focused on the topic
- Go for quantity first
- Use visual aids and sketches
7. Idea Capture
- How to document ideas quickly
- Use sticky notes or digital tools
- One idea per note
- Include rough sketches
- Number or name each idea
8. Warm-Up Exercises
Quick exercises to get creative juices flowing:
- Draw your worst idea
- 30 uses for a paperclip
- Mash-up two unrelated things
- Redesign everyday objects
9. Time Management
- Suggested timing for each activity
- When to move on vs. dig deeper
- Break timing
- Energy management
10. Next Steps After Ideation
- How to review and cluster ideas
- Voting or dot-voting techniques
- Selecting ideas to develop further
- Combining and refining concepts
Format as a complete ideation facilitation guide with specific exercises, timing, and instructions.How to use
- 1Replace [problem/challenge] with your specific problem. Example: "improving mobile app onboarding" or "reducing cart abandonment"
- 2Add context: Describe the problem background, target users, and constraints. Example: "Problem: 60% of users drop off during onboarding. Users: First-time app users. Constraint: Can't change core flow."
- 3Specify format: Mention "Solo brainstorming" or "Team session with 5 people" for tailored techniques
- 4Set time limit: Say "We have 2 hours" or "Quick 30-minute session" for appropriate activities
- 5Paste the prompt into your preferred AI tool, like ChatGPT or Claude
- 6Review techniques: Pick 2-3 techniques that fit your time and team
- 7Prepare materials: Get sticky notes, markers, paper, or digital whiteboard ready
- 8Run the session: Follow the facilitation guide and capture all ideas
Pro Tips
- • Start with divergence: Generate lots of ideas before converging on the best ones
- • Set a timer: Time pressure helps overcome overthinking and boosts creativity
- • No bad ideas: Defer all judgment during ideation - evaluate later
- • Build momentum: Start with warm-up exercises to get the team comfortable
- • Mix techniques: Combine multiple techniques for diverse ideas
- • Document everything: Even "bad" ideas can spark good ones later
- • Follow up: Schedule time to synthesize and develop promising ideas after the session
