From Mind to Matter | The Ideation Process
Note: Ideas with an * have been developed by Dr. Kevin Michels of TCNJ
Step 1) Perform a Historical Analysis
Has the idea existed before or have similar ideas existed before?
What is the history of the closest related idea?
What progress has occurred over time with that idea and what appears to be the next step in that progress?
What struggles have historically occurred with the idea and why?
If your idea has been thought of previously and failed why did it so?
Step 2) Value Analysis*
Who benefits from your idea(s)?
Are there 3rd parties affected by your idea that aren’t the direct beneficiaries? Are they affected positively or negatively?
Is your idea closing a functional gap where value by a product/service is delivered suboptimally currently?
Is your idea providing a new or remixed value to beneficiaries?
Does your idea provide the intended value to a beneficiary and or 3rd party suboptimally?
Step 3) Ethics Analysis
What are the ethical implications of your idea?
Does your idea provide positive long term value to the world?
What are the ripple effect implications of your idea being implemented? What are the 2nd and 3rd order ripple effect implications?
Step 4) 1st Principle Derivation
Does your idea solve the problem fundamentally or is there a deeper and more root solution to the problem your idea is addressing? Or is there a more root problem to be addressed?
Step 5) Caricature Analysis
What are the most specific criteria that form a clear and vivid characterization of your idea?
What real world manifestation(s) match that characterization that may bring the idea to life?
Step 6) Solution Exaptation Analysis
Are there any solutions in the world that can be taken from another discipline and applied to your problem as a possible (or partial) solution?