If you want great ideas, you could wait for them to pop into your head one day. However, if you prefer a systematic approach, here is it in three easy steps:
- Get knowledge in the area in which you want the ideas.
- Use idea-generating techniques.
- Choose the best ideas from the results.
Great Ideas Start With Knowledge
No one would expect to come up with a new theory of relativity without having knowledge of physics and mathematics. In order to develop new ideas, you need some understanding of the subject matter. Knowledge is the key to creating truly great ideas.
For example, if you were going to create a new transportation device, you would need both general knowledge and more specific knowledge. It may be helpful to know a bit about all current modes of transportation. In addition, you might add a list of things that have been tried and failed, and a list of what people want from their transportation.
Great Ideas From Techniques
Inventions and ideas begin in the mind, which follows certain patterns and rules. This is why problem solving techniques and other idea generation techniques work so well. As an example, let’s take a look at the “concept combination” technique. Tell your mind that you want to combine a plane with a motorcycle, and it will search until it finds the perfect combination for you. I had to think for twenty seconds before my mind was able to conceive of wings that extend out from a motorcycle at high speed, allowing that motorcycle to glide right off the cliff’s edge as it sped up.
By redefining problems in different ways, we can be able to explore whole new territories. As a result of redefining “inexpensive homes” as a means to help people afford a home, new financing methods have been developed that have made it easier for people to purchase a home even while the cost has increased. When “better job” is transformed into “better way to make money” you have access to a wide range of options. There are dozens of great ideas generating techniques to choose from, each with its own advantages.
Many Ideas To Choose From
The more ideas you come up with, the more likely you are to find good ones to work with. This is why you should learn the systematic ways to produce new concepts. Finally, if “great” means “important” to you, you need to work in important areas. There’s nothing wrong with inventing a better clothes hanger, but if you want to change the world, start working on new ways to save the environment, ways to end hunger, new political processes that avert wars and other great ideas.
