Idea Generation Part 2

Kai Alton
Kai Alton
Nov 2 · 6 min read

How Might We Statements

While introducing HMW statements in the brainstorming session I used progressive revelation to begin with a broad prompt and work towards more specific issues.

Through out the hour long brainstorming session I introduced each prompt for approximately 7 minutes each.

  1. How might we provide portable, medical attention for unexpected injuries?
  2. How might we redesign a first aid kit?
  3. How might we maintain organization in a first aid kit?
  4. How might we improve the usability of a first aid kit?

Brainstorming Session Set Up

Although one participant was unable to make it to the brainstorming session, Nibraas, Nick, Avery and I held a creative and fast paced environment, producing over 50 ideas.

I hosted the session in a group study room within Walter library (204G). This space allowed us to talk in a circle and pin up ideas on a wall. Had I known there was a whiteboard, however, I may have warmed up with a game similar to Pictionary.

Our session was held in less than one hour, with 25 minutes of active brainstorming.

Itinerary
(5 min) Introduction and filling out sheets
(5 min) Wordball
(5 min) Original Warmup: IUI
(25 min) HMWs
(5 min) Sorting
(5 min) Multi-voting

Quite similarly to our in class brainstorm session, we used Post-it notes and sharpies, with stickers for rating. In order to look back at who came up with which ideas, I distributed different colored markers.

I began our warmup with wordball, as it is easy to learn and brings up energy. Next we played Initiate-Unrelate-Integrate, as described below.


Original Warmup Activity

I was in a bit of a time crunch while coming up with a warmup activity. This led me to writing out what I wanted the activity to accomplish.

It is important that the activity give practice thinking on the fly and making quick connections, while maintaining a high energy. Illogical Wordball was quite good for this task, as it promotes quick, unfiltered thought. Additionally, Crossing Products prompts association.

Drawing inspiration from the two, I planned a three stage warmup composed of free-thought, thinking on the fly and association making practice.

Initiate, Unrelate, Integrate (IUI)
Standing in a circle, one participant begins the game by shouting out a random word. Moving clockwise, the next person says a word which they find totally unrelated. The person to their left invents an idea which combines the two words. This is one round completed, and generally ends with a positive response to the integration idea.
In our brainstorming session we went through 10 rounds in only five minutes.


Key Elements of the Session

Within 25 minutes of brainstorming, the group came up with 56 ideas. This comes out to 0.75 IPM.

Once sorted, ideas tended to fall into categories congruent with the four prompts. These categories included physical organization solutions, container types, unrealistic ideas, preventative measures and transportation solutions.

After silent sorting for five minutes, the group did multi-voting. Each member was given ten stickers, and allowed to use them however they wanted.

After voting, the following 10 ideas were confirmed to be our overall favorites:

  1. Integrated Call Button (Avery): Intended for emergency use in wilderness scenarios (camping, hiking, etc)
  2. Clear Case (Nick): Visibility from the outside speeds up finding items
  3. One Handed Operation (Kai): Useful in situations where one is operating on them self
  4. Backpack Style Kit (Nick)
  5. Color Coded Kit (Nick): Items logically sorted by injury type
  6. Braille Kit (Nibraas): Improved accessibility for those without sight
  7. Apple Branded Kit (Nibraas)
  8. Lightweight Kit (Nick)
  9. Kit Worn on Body (Kai): Maximized portability and Accessibility
  10. E-Scooter First Aid Kit (Avery): Injury relief built into a hazardous mode of transit

Top 10 Ideas

Reduction of Ideas

Fold-Out Top Tube Bag

Single Handed Operation

Smart Wrap

Ventilated Bandage

3-in-1 Pack

Clip Kit

Integrated Call Button

Saddlebag w/ Lights

Color Coded Organization

Clear Case

    Kai Alton

    Written by

    Kai Alton

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