3.1 Ideation and Brainstorming

What are the objectives of ideation and brainstorming?

• To understand the role of ideation in the context of the Biodesign innovation process.

• To learn the basic methods of brainstorming and how to plan/execute a session.

• To consider special brainstorming approaches and tips that are specific to biomedical technology inventing.

What are good things to know about ideation in the medtech field?

Healthcare involves stakeholders and hurdles related to regulation and reimbursement.

Ideation is useful after the inventor has developed a need specification and is ready to think about solution concepts to address the needs.

Good prototypes provide powerful stimuli for new ideas.

What is the ideation process?

Taking a lot of the needs and narrowing them down. Then taking those needs and putting them into concepts and narrowing them down.

How are questions framed when it comes to brainstorming?

They are based on the need specification (need statement and criteria).

What are the brainstorming rules?

1. Defer Judgement

2. Encourage Wild Ideas

3. Build on the Ideas of Others

4. Go for Quantity

5. One Conversation at a Time

6. Stay Focused on the Topic

7. Be Visual

What is deferring judgement?

Not dismissing anyone’s ideas.

What is encouraging wild ideas?

Thinking outside of the box.

What is building on the ideas of others?

Not using any buts and just using ands. Also leveraging one idea as a foundation from which to make a suggestion.

What is going for quantity?

Aiming for 100 ideas in 60 minutes.

What is one conversation at a time mean?

Letting people have their say.

What is staying focused on the topic?

Keeping the discussions on target.

What kinds of things are useful for brainstorming?

Medical props, anatomical drawings, and other systems that can be used to base ideas against.

What is an important step for the individual or group to take before brainstorming?

Clearly define the topic to be addressed.

What is the facilitators job?

To run the session, enforce the rules of brainstorming and to make sure the process works smoothly.

What is an important thing to think about in advance of a brainstorming session?

What background information can be provided before the session to aid the idea generation process.

What are different forms of ideation?

Constructive conflict, an expert is brought in to contribute more to group discussion, and the TRIZ methods.