The best way to start an ideation process

In order to generate relevant ideas it is critical that you have the right inputs before you start the ideation process.

At the bare minimum, you should know:

1. Who is the customer or primary beneficiary?
2. What outcomes are they trying to achieve?
3. How are they achieving them today?

If you lack that information, then I suggest you spend the session to:

• come up with potential answers to above three questions, and
• plan customer interviews to gather answers straight from the horse’s mouth. (Don’t call customers horses, though.)

Ensuring you have the above input will provide you with sufficient information about customer needs to come up with relevant ideas that stand a chance to make a difference.

After all, innovation is about creating value. And what better way to do so than helping your customers achieve their desired outcomes faster, cheaper, and safer?