Idea generation & development
Design & Manufacture · Higher · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about idea generation & development, specifically to understand:
- the key stages of brainstorming
- the key stages of morphological analysis
- why idea-generation techniques are used
- the key stages of analogy
- how lifestyle and mood boards are used
- exploration, synthesis and refinement of ideas
Success criteria WILF
- I can describe the key stages of brainstorming
- I can describe the key stages of morphological analysis
- I can explain why idea-generation techniques are used
- I can describe the key stages of analogy
- I can describe how lifestyle and mood boards are used
- I can explain exploration, synthesis and refinement of ideas
Why use idea-generation techniques
Generating a range of original ideas is hard. Techniques give a starting point, help overcome design block, encourage creative and diverse thinking, and give structure.
Brainstorming
- State the problem clearly from the start.
- Work alone or in a small group; consider who to invite for a range of opinions.
- Set a time limit. Record every idea, however unrealistic.
- Don't criticise ideas; build on each other's.
- Record as lists, diagrams or mind maps.
Brainstorming: Higher detail HIGHER
- Planning: identify the purpose, consider group size, invite suitable people.
- Conducting: rephrase the question, warm up, set rules and a time limit, keep momentum, record every thought.
- Summary: discuss unusual ideas, discard the weakest, identify the most promising.
Morphological analysis
A systematic method using a matrix. The problem is broken into variables (e.g. material, number of legs, height, shape of top). Options for each are listed in columns, then one option from each column is selected, randomly or systematically, to produce different combinations.
| Legs | Material | Height | Top |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Wood | 30 cm | Circle |
| 4 | Metal | 40 cm | Square |
| 0 | Wood & metal | 50 cm | Oval |
Useful for logical designers and during exploration, as it produces a wide breadth of combinations.
Analogy, lifestyle and mood boards HIGHER
- Analogy: take an idea from one context and use it in another. Nike based its Shox cushioning on Formula One suspension. Stages: identify stimuli, gather images/information, select what to transfer or adapt.
- Lifestyle board: images representing the typical user's life (home, food, clothes, hobbies, music) so the designer understands the target market.
- Mood board: a collage around a mood or theme to inspire ideas and set an aesthetic direction (colours, patterns, textures, shapes).
Developing ideas
- Explore: identify problems to solve and investigate alternatives for function, aesthetics, ergonomics and manufacture.
- Synthesis: combine the best elements of different ideas into a stronger one.
- Refine: add the detail needed to manufacture: final sizes, materials, construction and assembly.
- Justify decisions with annotation; use arrows, ticks and crosses so the design thinking is easy to follow.
Key terms
| Morphological analysis | A matrix of design variables and options; combine one option from each to generate many ideas. |
|---|---|
| Brainstorming rule | Record every idea and don't criticise; build on each other's ideas within a time limit. |
| Analogy | Taking an idea from one context and applying it in another (e.g. F1 suspension → trainer cushioning). |
| Lifestyle board | Images showing the lifestyle of the typical user, to understand the target market. |
| Mood board | Collage of images on a mood/theme to inspire ideas and set an aesthetic direction. |
| Synthesis | Combining the best features of several ideas into one stronger idea. |
| Refinement | Adding detail needed to manufacture: final sizes, materials, construction and assembly. |
Quick check
1. How does morphological analysis improve the breadth of ideas?
- It creates many unique combinations of variables
- It quickly removes the weakest ideas early on
- It tests each idea with users before sketching
- It records every idea as an annotated sketch
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2. Which is a rule of brainstorming?
- Only feasible ideas are written down
- Every idea is recorded without criticism
- Ideas are judged as soon as they appear
- It must be done alone to avoid copying
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3. Nike basing a trainer's cushioning on Formula One suspension is an example of…
- Mood board
- Morphological analysis
- Analogy
- Synthesis
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4. A collage that shows where the user lives, what they wear and their hobbies is a…
- Mood board
- Working drawing
- Morphological matrix
- Lifestyle board
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5. Combining the best features of several initial ideas is called…
- Synthesis
- Refinement
- Evaluation
- Analysis
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Exam-style questions
1. Explain one way in which brainstorming can encourage creative thoughts. (1 mark)
Show marking guidance
- Done as a group so it brings several people's ideas together
- People build on each other's ideas
- Time limit means less chance to overthink or self-censor
2. Describe two idea-generation techniques that could be used. (You may use sketches.) (4 marks)
Show marking guidance
- Up to 3 marks per technique; no marks for naming only
- Brainstorming: group activity, problem stated simply, all ideas welcomed, no criticism, build on others' ideas
- Morphological analysis: product divided into parameters, options listed for each, one from each column selected to describe a possible design
- Analogy / mood or lifestyle board described with stages also acceptable
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.