UX design·Updated January 27, 2026

Ideation Techniques & Exercises

Generate creative ideas using structured ideation techniques like How Might We, Crazy 8s, and brainstorming exercises.

Use Case

Running ideation sessions, generating creative solutions, facilitating design workshops, or exploring problem spaces.

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