What is the simplest way to ideate and develop ideas?

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There are several simple methodologies for ideating in groups. We have written several posts on group methods. Today we will discuss how solo ideation can generate amazing ideas.

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I. Do something boring.

Perform a mindless task. Activities such as shaving, showering, driving to work, getting the mail, walking the dog, etc. are known to help the mind come up with ideas.

Why? When our brains are freed from too much outside stimuli, they are more able to allow idea. While our analytical left brain is busy “running the script” of the menial task, our creative right brain hemisphere can go wild.

Reference: The Science Behind How Boredom Benefits Creative Thought

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II. Make fun of the topic.

Yes, go ahead and poke fun at the topic. The more absurd you get with it, the more likely you are to have a strong creative breakthrough. At the very least, take the list of ridiculous ideas you came up with. Write down the exact opposite of each idea. Because… the opposite of a really bad idea, is probably the right thing to do.

Reference: Worst Idea = Best Idea

Answer the Public

III . Answer a question.

This is a great method for copy writers and content marketers. If you are stuck on blog topics or content, try these two sites for inspiration.

This is the Question Stats section on Quora.com

Quora. People are always asking questions on Quora. That’s what it’s for. But the nice thing about Quora is you can see the relative popularity of a topic from several data points they add to each question’s page.

They’re listed in a at the bottom of the righthand sidebar, and appropriately titled, Question Stats. That data is gold. a popular question will likely be a popular blog topic. Use it.

Answer the Public. This site is another gem. It takes all of the related questions and “People also searched for” queries and arranges them into a beautiful circular diagram, organized by Who, What, When, How, Where, Why, etc. Don’t like reading in a circle? No problem. You can download an excel spreadsheet of each question. Easy.

This is an example of how the data on Answer the Public is broken down.

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IV. Constraints lead to creativity.

Constraints are a great way to get to a great idea. Take away something from your topic that you need. For example, if you are struggling to get more donations for your nonprofit, image the scenario of not being able to ask for donations online. What would you do instead? Too harsh? How about this one? You must raise money for your nonprofit using only… Pinterest. Or SnapChat.

Giving yourself a near-impossible constraint frames and focuses the problem. You will come up with fewer ideas, but they will be solid and well-thought out. You are also more likely to solve quicker and not end up with Blank Canvas Syndrome.

Reference: Proof That Constraints Can Actually Make You More Creative

This story originally appeared in ThinkWell.