How to generate creative ideas on a daily basis? This question is often asked in our daily work, especially if it is based on creativity. Ideas and concepts never exist in a vacuum - it is a process that happens in our heads. How can we help ourselves, especially when we are hit by a so-called lack of inspiration? In this article, I will talk about 3 tools that we often use to create ideas for graphic designs or marketing activities.
Creative work and the constant creation of new ideas is quite a challenge. That is why it is worth learning techniques that support creative thinking. There are many of them. It is worth familiarizing yourself with them and choosing the ones that best meet your needs. Below I present 3 tools that can help you when your mind goes blank and the question comes to your mind: how to generate creative ideas? These are: mind map, creativity pyramid and action matrix.
Mind Map
A mind map is a visual representation of thoughts and associations that are related to the topic we are working on. It helps in exploring all possible directions of work on the project and in organizing the thoughts, ideas and information that we manage to collect. It is a simple method based on associations and brainstorming.
First, we start by writing down the first thoughts that come to mind, and then, based on them, we generate more (and more non-obvious) ideas. It all starts with writing down a keyword. Then, by drawing more branches and ideas, we can explore the topic deeper and deeper and create new concepts.
The main goal of this tool is to create the largest possible “thought base”, which will become the starting point for further stages of work on the project.
Creativity pyramid
The creativity pyramid is a technique that is based on associations related to the topic you are working on. Initially, you should write down 6 to about 8 concepts (preferably nouns). Their order does not matter.
Then, by combining adjacent words, we create new words based on associations, e.g. flower + sun = meadow, etc. The terms that emerge do not have to be directly related to the project you are working on. The best are the first associations.
We repeat this action with the whole team, climbing up the pyramid until we reach the very top. The word at the top is the starting point and the main inspiration for generating further ideas. Sometimes it happens that inspiration is also brought by associations that appeared lower ;)
Creativity Matrix
The creativity matrix is a type of table that allows for independent or group generation of activities. It is based on defining a question/design problem for which we are looking for specific solutions. Activities are dedicated to each of our personas or target groups. We can also include channels for which the solution is designed, e.g. social media, traditional media, etc.
If you want to learn more about this tool, be sure to check out the article by Ola, our Head of Social. You can find it here here.
You already know how to generate creative ideas – or at least how we approach it. It’s worth expanding your knowledge in this area and finding the tools that will best stimulate your creativity. However, during this adventure, don’t forget that context and design assumptions are essential foundations. Balancing between them and a creative storm of ideas will help you create solutions that achieve your goals. Good luck!
Bibliography:
B. Michalska-Dominiak, P. Grocholiński, Design Thinking Guide – or how to use design thinking in business, Gliwice 2019.
B. Rudkin Ingle, Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses. The Power of Design Thinking in Everyday Work, Gliwice 2015.
D. Airey, Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities, 2nd Edition, Gliwice 2015.