Ideation tools - Revision history

Tkokotas at 09:53, 4 February 2019

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	Design Thinking is a non-linear process and it has five main stages: Empathize, Define (the Problem), Ideate, Prototype and Test.		Design Thinking is a non-linear process and it has five main stages: Empathize, Define (the Problem), Ideate, Prototype and Test.
	[[File:Ideate2.jpg\|center\|~~700px\|Design Thinking Process - adapted from~~:~~<ref name="Ideate"/>~~]]
			[[File:Ideate2.jpg \|700px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 1: ITERATIVE PROCESS (Learn about users through testing) – the particular graph is created by the author of the article, Julianna Apli, for the purposes of the APPPM course]]


	Ideation focuses a lot on designing radical alternative processes or products, with a focus on opening up the possibilities for a large quantity of ideas. It aids to avoid stereotype solutions and encourage flexibility, variety and fluency in the generation of ideas.<ref name="Guide"> Stanford d.school. (2018). An Introduction to Design Thinking PROCESS GUIDE. [online] Available at: https://dschool-old.stanford.edu/sandbox/groups/designresources/wiki/36873/attachments/74b3d/ModeGuideBOOTCAMP2010L.pdf?sessionID=c7f456a22c9b1270bf22287f5c33cfd134ba629e [Accessed 20 Feb. 2018]. </ref>		Ideation focuses a lot on designing radical alternative processes or products, with a focus on opening up the possibilities for a large quantity of ideas. It aids to avoid stereotype solutions and encourage flexibility, variety and fluency in the generation of ideas.<ref name="Guide"> Stanford d.school. (2018). An Introduction to Design Thinking PROCESS GUIDE. [online] Available at: https://dschool-old.stanford.edu/sandbox/groups/designresources/wiki/36873/attachments/74b3d/ModeGuideBOOTCAMP2010L.pdf?sessionID=c7f456a22c9b1270bf22287f5c33cfd134ba629e [Accessed 20 Feb. 2018]. </ref>
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	In the table below, it can be seen where a project manager can use ideation tools during project management, while the next chapter discusses how to use said tools.		In the table below, it can be seen where a project manager can use ideation tools during project management, while the next chapter discusses how to use said tools.
	[[File:Table.jpg\|center\|~~500px\|~~Project ~~Management Process Group~~ and ~~Knowledge Area Mapping - adapted from:<ref name="PMBOK~~"/>]]
			[[File:Table.jpg \|500px\|thumb\|center\|Table 1: Project management process groups and applicable processes for ideation – the particular graph is created by the author of the article, Julianna Apli, for the purposes of the APPPM course"]]

	==Application - Ideation methods for project management==		==Application - Ideation methods for project management==
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	The table below underlines, which ideation tool can be used in project management in what way. Several methods fall under different uses, so there is definitely an overlapping pattern in ideation, but project managers have to consciously choose the right methods for the right application.		The table below underlines, which ideation tool can be used in project management in what way. Several methods fall under different uses, so there is definitely an overlapping pattern in ideation, but project managers have to consciously choose the right methods for the right application.
	[[File:Categories.jpg\|center\|~~500px\|Ideation tools application~~]]

			[[File:Categories.jpg \|500px\|thumb\|center\|Table 2: The matching of ideation methods with project management applications – the particular graph is created by the author of the article, Julianna Apli, for the purposes of the APPPM course, based on the guidelines released by the Institute of Design at Stanford"]]

	The methods relevant to project management are based on the guidelines, released by the ''Institute of Design at Stanford'':<ref name="Boot" />		The methods relevant to project management are based on the guidelines, released by the ''Institute of Design at Stanford'':<ref name="Boot" />

Tkokotas at 17:03, 16 November 2018

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			''Developed by Julianna Apli''


	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

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2x2 Matrix

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	===2x2 Matrix===		===2x2 Matrix===
	The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a ~~visualisation~~ tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an easily understandable manner.		The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a visualization tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an easily understandable manner.

	The process:		The process:

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2x2 Matrix

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	===2x2 Matrix===		===2x2 Matrix===
	The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a visualisation tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an ~~easy to understand~~ manner.		The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a visualisation tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an easily understandable manner.

	The process:		The process:

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2x2 Matrix

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	===2x2 Matrix===		===2x2 Matrix===
	The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a visualisation tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an easy to ~~understandable~~ manner.		The 2x2 matrix can give a deeper understanding in the problems during the synthesis process by helping revealing the connections between things or people and it can be also used as a visualisation tool. This could help in visualizing project requirements and objectives in an easy to understand manner.

	The process:		The process:

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Limitations

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	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1P5LV9hMk\|250\|right\|IDEO: On Letting Go of Ideas<ref name=IDEOv> ''IDEO (2018). [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1P5LV9hMk [Accessed 15 Feb. 2018].'' </ref>\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1P5LV9hMk\|250\|right\|IDEO: On Letting Go of Ideas<ref name=IDEOv> ''IDEO (2018). [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H1P5LV9hMk [Accessed 15 Feb. 2018].'' </ref>\|frame}}
	~~Cannot~~ be used in other parts of a project/program/portfolio life cycle, because it deals with coming up with ideas to solve a problem. When executing a plan, there is not much wiggle room left to find new solutions.		Ideation cannot be used in other parts of a project/program/portfolio life cycle, because it deals with coming up with ideas to solve a problem. When executing a plan or monitoring a project, there is not much wiggle room left to find new solutions.

	~~The~~ creators of IDEO talk about ‘abundance mentality’ meaning that one good idea does not mean a great product, because there is a lot of work involved in bringing ideas to life, so inventors and designers have to learn to let go of their ideas. Moving ideas into other perspectives are more effective, and can bring success a lot more, than clinging to one idea. (see video)<ref name="IDEOv"/>		Another potential limitation of ideation tools could be what the creators of IDEO talk about as ‘abundance mentality’ meaning that one good idea does not mean a great product, because there is a lot of work involved in bringing ideas to life, so inventors and designers have to learn to let go of their ideas. Moving ideas into other perspectives are more effective, and can bring success a lot more, than clinging to one idea. (see video)<ref name="IDEOv"/>

	==Annotated bibliography==		==Annotated bibliography==

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Application - Ideation methods for project management

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	Ideation methods can be used in several ways in project management, such as facilitation techniques, group creativity techniques or at meetings. The purpose of these methods, among others, ~~are~~ to help teams and managers to achieve agreements and identify project and product requirements faster.		Ideation methods can be used in several ways in project management, such as facilitation techniques, group creativity techniques or at meetings. The purpose of these methods, among others, is to help teams and managers to achieve agreements and identify project and product requirements faster.

	The table below underlines, which ideation tool can be used in project management in what way. Several methods fall under different uses, so there is definitely an overlapping pattern in ideation, but project managers have to consciously choose the right methods for the right application.		The table below underlines, which ideation tool can be used in project management in what way. Several methods fall under different uses, so there is definitely an overlapping pattern in ideation, but project managers have to consciously choose the right methods for the right application.

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Big idea

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	Ideation brings with it a variety of methods, that can potentially be used in other phases of a project’s or program’s life cycle, but are most utilizable in the first stages of any project or program. For instance it can be used during meetings as a decision-making technique, as a planning tool or as an information gathering technique.<ref name="PMBOK" /> Furthermore, it can play a large role in the risk and uncertainty management of projects and programs, because it has the potential to identify problems and solutions to those problems, assess the situation, respond to challenges via generating ideas that can help in mitigating risk and uncertainty in a project or a program. This is extremely important as many projects fail due to changes arising, so flexibility and openness towards continuous idea generation can benefit projects and programs immensely.		Ideation brings with it a variety of methods, that can potentially be used in other phases of a project’s or program’s life cycle, but are most utilizable in the first stages of any project or program. For instance it can be used during meetings as a decision-making technique, as a planning tool or as an information gathering technique.<ref name="PMBOK" /> Furthermore, it can play a large role in the risk and uncertainty management of projects and programs, because it has the potential to identify problems and solutions to those problems, assess the situation, respond to challenges via generating ideas that can help in mitigating risk and uncertainty in a project or a program. This is extremely important as many projects fail due to changes arising, so flexibility and openness towards continuous idea generation can benefit projects and programs immensely.

	In spite of the advantages that ideation can offer, brainstorming as a phenomenon has been more well-known and widespread when it comes to idea generation. Ideation involves a lot ~~more and~~ more refined methods to tackle challenges in a project management scenario than brainstorming is, which makes it more effective and thorough at its job. In truth, brainstorming is only one possible method under the umbrella of ideation tools. Ideation can be thought of as a way to expand the possibilities and opportunities of projects and programs and achieve better results via the application of one, two or several methods of ideation.		In spite of the advantages that ideation can offer, brainstorming as a phenomenon has been more well-known and widespread when it comes to idea generation. Ideation involves a lot more refined methods to tackle challenges in a project management scenario than brainstorming does, which makes it more effective and thorough at its job. In truth, brainstorming is only one possible method under the umbrella of ideation tools. Ideation can be thought of as a way to expand the possibilities and opportunities of projects and programs and achieve better results via the application of one, two or several methods of ideation.

	Ideas are required to tackle challenges, and figuring out solutions that satisfy many different stakeholders and can be designed in a sustainable way. Ideation comes with a lot of methods, that can be used in projects to facilitate the creation of creative solutions.		Ideas are required to tackle challenges, and figuring out solutions that satisfy many different stakeholders and can be designed in a sustainable way. Ideation comes with a lot of methods, that can be used in projects to facilitate the creation of creative solutions.

	===Relevance to Project ~~Manager~~===		===Relevance to Project Managers===

	Project and program managers play a pivotal role in achieving success in projects and programs. The ideation methods discussed in the next section ''Application – Ideation methods for project management'' can have an imperative part in helping project managers fulfill ~~the~~ requirements such as “''task needs, team needs, and individual needs''”.<ref name="PMBOK" /> Using ideation methods suggest that a project manager possesses indispensable competences - knowledge, performance and personal - required for successful project or program management.<ref name="PMBOK" />		Project and program managers play a pivotal role in achieving success in projects and programs. The ideation methods discussed in the next section ''Application – Ideation methods for project management'' can have an imperative part in helping project managers fulfill their requirements as project managers such as “''task needs, team needs, and individual needs''”.<ref name="PMBOK" /> Using ideation methods suggest that a project manager possesses indispensable competences - knowledge, performance and personal - required for successful project or program management.<ref name="PMBOK" />

	As discussed before, ideation tools are most relevant in the Initiating and Planning Process groups. In the developing stage of the project charter and management plan, it is used as a facilitation tool. Later on, in the Executing Process Group, ideation occurs during the meetings while directing and managing the project work. <ref name="PMBOK" />		As discussed before, ideation tools are most relevant in the Initiating and Planning Process groups. In the developing stage of the project charter and management plan, it is used as a facilitation tool. Later on, in the Executing Process Group, ideation occurs during the meetings while directing and managing the project work. Project managers are the ones responsible for making sure that these activities match the stakeholder needs and further the project in a meaningful and effective manner. <ref name="PMBOK" />

	In the table below, it can be seen where a project manager can use ideation tools during project management, while the next chapter discusses how to use said tools.		In the table below, it can be seen where a project manager can use ideation tools during project management, while the next chapter discusses how to use said tools.

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Introduction

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	Ideation is an important process, that in essence means the generation of unexpected ideas via reframing any challenge.<ref name="Ideate"> Stanford d.school.(2018). Put Design Thinking to Work. [online] Available at: https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/chart-a-new-course-put-design-thinking-to-work [Accessed 20 Feb. 2018]. </ref> It can be thought of as an alternative or almost synonym to the commonly known process of idea generation called brainstorming. However, while ideation is the part of the 5 stages of Design Thinking Process, brainstorming is just one of the ideation methods, tools.		Ideation is an important process, that in essence means the generation of unexpected ideas via reframing any challenge.<ref name="Ideate"> Stanford d.school.(2018). Put Design Thinking to Work. [online] Available at: https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/chart-a-new-course-put-design-thinking-to-work [Accessed 20 Feb. 2018]. </ref> It can be thought of as an alternative or almost synonym to the commonly known process of idea generation called brainstorming. However, while ideation is the part of the 5 stages of Design Thinking Process, brainstorming is just one of the ideation methods, tools.

	Design Thinking first appeared in the 1960’s as a tool for architecture and engineering innovation, solving complex problems. In the mid 60’s, Horst Rittel (a design theorist) wrote about application of design methodologies mentioning it as “Wicked Problems”, which later become the foundation of Design Thinking, as it is about “''(...) these complex and multi-dimensional problems that require a collaborative methodology that involves gaining a deep understanding of humans.''” <ref name="IDF"> ''Design Thinking: Get a Quick Overview of the History, [online] Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-get-a-quick-overview-of-the-history [Accessed 11 Feb. 2018]'' </ref> The first iteration of Design Thinking was created by Herbert A. Simon in 1969, in his book Sciences of the Artificial. During the next decades the method has been further developed and improved. Nigel Cross “Designerly ways of knowing” in 1982, Peter Rowe “Design Thinking” in 1987, the foundation of ~~the~~ IDEO in 1991, just to mention the core steps of the history. At ~~the~~ present we think about Design Thinking as “''(...) a design methodology that provides a solution-based approach to solving problems.''”<ref name="IDF5"> ''5 Stages in the Design Thinking Process, [online] Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-the-design-thinking-process[Accessed 11 Feb. 2018]'' </ref>		Design Thinking first appeared in the 1960’s as a tool for architecture and engineering innovation, solving complex problems. In the mid 60’s, Horst Rittel (a design theorist) wrote about application of design methodologies mentioning it as “Wicked Problems”, which later become the foundation of Design Thinking, as it is about “''(...) these complex and multi-dimensional problems that require a collaborative methodology that involves gaining a deep understanding of humans.''” <ref name="IDF"> ''Design Thinking: Get a Quick Overview of the History, [online] Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/design-thinking-get-a-quick-overview-of-the-history [Accessed 11 Feb. 2018]'' </ref> The first iteration of Design Thinking was created by Herbert A. Simon in 1969, in his book Sciences of the Artificial. During the next decades the method has been further developed and improved. Nigel Cross “Designerly ways of knowing” in 1982, Peter Rowe “Design Thinking” in 1987, the foundation of IDEO in 1991, just to mention the core steps of the history. At present we think about Design Thinking as “''(...) a design methodology that provides a solution-based approach to solving problems.''”<ref name="IDF5"> ''5 Stages in the Design Thinking Process, [online] Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-the-design-thinking-process[Accessed 11 Feb. 2018]'' </ref>

	Design Thinking is a non-linear process and it has five main stages: Empathize, Define (the Problem), Ideate, Prototype and Test.		Design Thinking is a non-linear process and it has five main stages: Empathize, Define (the Problem), Ideate, Prototype and Test.

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Abstract

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	The ideation or pre-project phase is often underrated in project, program or portfolio management.<ref> ''Kock, A., Heising, W., & Gemünden, H. G. (2016). A contingency approach on the impact of front-end success on project portfolio success. Project Management Journal, 47(2), 115–129. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21575'' </ref>		The ideation or pre-project phase is often underrated in project, program or portfolio management.<ref> ''Kock, A., Heising, W., & Gemünden, H. G. (2016). A contingency approach on the impact of front-end success on project portfolio success. Project Management Journal, 47(2), 115–129. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21575'' </ref>

	Ideation is a stage within Design Thinking, that deals with the generation of a wide variety of ideas in order to solve problems. Project management deals a lot with defining objectives that need to be achieved and ideation can be a great aid for project managers to come up and execute great ideas. There is a ~~wide variety~~ of ideation tools, however brainstorming has been and still is the most used of these tools. This is not to say that brainstorming is useless, on the contrary, it is a very useful tool, but in some cases other ideation methods match project needs better. Expanding the horizons for projects and projects managers, when dealing with idea generation, ideation can have the potential to increase effectiveness and improve processes in the project initiating and planning process groups.<ref name="PMBOK">Project Management Institute. (2013) "A Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge" \| (5th Edition)</ref> It can also be used in the executing process group, which involves a huge amount of meetings where brainstorming has been the prevalent technique for idea generation.<ref name="PMBOK"/> This article aims to help project managers realize the opportunities hidden in ideation, and utilize it in a ~~variety~~ of projects.		Ideation is a stage within Design Thinking, that deals with the generation of a wide variety of ideas in order to solve problems. Project management deals a lot with defining objectives that need to be achieved and ideation can be a great aid for project managers to come up and execute great ideas. There is a large amount of ideation tools, however brainstorming has been and still is the most used of these tools. This is not to say that brainstorming is useless, on the contrary, it is a very useful tool, but in some cases other ideation methods match project needs better. Expanding the horizons for projects and projects managers, when dealing with idea generation, ideation can have the potential to increase effectiveness and improve processes in the project initiating and planning process groups.<ref name="PMBOK">Project Management Institute. (2013) "A Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge" \| (5th Edition)</ref> It can also be used in the executing process group, which involves a huge amount of meetings, where brainstorming has been the prevalent technique for idea generation.<ref name="PMBOK"/> This article aims to help project managers realize the opportunities hidden in ideation, and utilize it in a plethora of projects.

	Table of ~~content~~:		Table of contents:
	*The Introduction provides a description of ideation with definitions. Furthermore, a brief history is presented on Design Thinking, which is a process, where ideation is just one stage.		*The Introduction provides a description of ideation with definitions. Furthermore, a brief history is presented on Design Thinking, which is a process, where ideation is just one stage.

	*The Big Idea describes what ideation tools can be used in relation to project management and how project managers can leverage ideation tools to achieve successful projects. The Big idea also describes which perspectives from the Concept Box (purpose, people, complexity, uncertainty) do Ideation tools fall under.		*The Big Idea describes what ideation tools can be used for in relation to project management and how project managers can leverage ideation tools to achieve successful projects. The Big idea also describes which perspectives from the Concept Box (purpose, people, complexity, uncertainty) do Ideation tools fall under.

	*The Application features descriptions of how to use ideation tools and usage of each methods in projects.		*The Application features descriptions of how to use ideation tools and the usage of each methods in projects.

	*The Limitations discusses where is it not beneficial or relevant to use ideation tools in a project management setting.		*The Limitations discusses where and when is it not beneficial or relevant to use ideation tools in a project management setting.

	==Introduction==		==Introduction==