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Ideation Process: To Gain An Empathic Understanding of The Problem You Are Trying To Solve

The document describes the steps in the affinity diagram process for organizing ideas generated from a brainstorming session. [1] The process involves individually writing each idea on sticky notes, spreading them out randomly, and silently sorting them into groupings of related ideas without speaking. [2] Team members then discuss the groupings to define categories and write header cards to summarize each category. [3] The groups can then be further combined into "supergroups" as appropriate. The affinity diagram process helps organize ideas and access knowledge from intuitive thinking.

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Vilas m Chinke
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69 views

Ideation Process: To Gain An Empathic Understanding of The Problem You Are Trying To Solve

The document describes the steps in the affinity diagram process for organizing ideas generated from a brainstorming session. [1] The process involves individually writing each idea on sticky notes, spreading them out randomly, and silently sorting them into groupings of related ideas without speaking. [2] Team members then discuss the groupings to define categories and write header cards to summarize each category. [3] The groups can then be further combined into "supergroups" as appropriate. The affinity diagram process helps organize ideas and access knowledge from intuitive thinking.

Uploaded by

Vilas m Chinke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ideation Process

steps in ideation
1. Empathise
To gain an empathic understanding of the problem you are trying to solve
2. Define (the Problem)
3. Ideate
Brainstorm, Brainwrite, Worst Possible Idea, and SCAMPER

AFFINITY DIAGRAM PROCESS

The affinity diagram process lets a group move beyond its habitual thinking and preconceived
categories. This technique accesses the great knowledge and understanding residing untapped in our
intuition. Affinity diagrams tend to have 40 to 60 items; however, it is not unusual to see 100 to 200
items.

Materials needed: Sticky notes or cards, marking pens, and large work surface (wall, table, or floor).

Step 1: Record each idea with a marking pen on a separate sticky note or card

(During a brainstorming session, write directly onto sticky notes or cards if you suspect you will be
following the brainstorm with an affinity diagram.) Randomly spread notes on a large work surface so
all notes are visible to everyone. The entire team gathers around the notes and participates in the
next steps.

Tips: Use markers so words can be read clearly even from a distance. With regular pens, it is hard to
read ideas from any distance. Written ideas should be between three and seven words long.

Step 2: Look for ideas that seem to be related in some way and place them side by side

Attempt to look for relationships between individual ideas and have team members simultaneously
sort the ideas (without talking) into five to 10 related groupings. Repeat until all notes are grouped.
It’s okay to have “loners” that don’t seem to fit a group. It is also okays to move a note someone else
has already moved. If a note seems to belong in two groups, make a second note.

Tips: It is very important that no one talk during this step. The focus should be on looking for and
grouping related ideas. It is also important to call these “groupings.” Do not place the notes in any
order or determine categories or headings in advance.

Step 3: Begin a discussion with your team

From these relationships, attempt to define categories and create summary or header cards for each
grouping or category. You can discuss the shape of the chart, any surprising patterns, and especially
reasons for moving controversial notes. Make changes and move ideas around as necessary. When
ideas are grouped to the team’s satisfaction, select a heading for each group. To do so, look for a note
in each grouping that captures the meaning of the group. Place it at the top of the group. If there is no
such note, write one. Often it is useful to write or highlight this note in a different color.

Tips: Header cards should clearly identify the common thread for all groupings and should be
descriptive of that thread.

Step 4: Combine groups into "supergroups," if appropriate


Assign all ideas to the identified categories by placing ideas under header cards.

Tip: Base assignment on “gut feel,” not through contemplatio n.

Affinity Diagram Example

4. Prototype

5. Test

Reference used

1. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-
the-design-thinking-process

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