How to choose the best idea
We often read articles on“how to generate the million dollar idea”, but we rarely talk about how to decide on that idea. The question is, how do we distinguish the good ideas from the bad ones? And how do we set aside emotional attachments for constructive decisions best suitable for the problem we’re trying to solve? What is the million dollar idea?
A few years back we discovered a tool that has helped us in several stressful situations, it’s called; ‘The Matrix’.
This is how it works;
- Create nine boxes in rows of three
- Write a category on each axle
- Y = Implementation
- X = Impact
- Use a category most suitable for the problem you’re trying to solve, i.e. cost vs time, resources vs maintenance
- Each category should have two values, one positive and one negative
- Y = hard to implement vs. easy to implement
- X = high impact vs. low impact.
It should look something like this:
When your Matrix is ready, it’s time for action! Start placing your idea notes on the grid where you and your team think they belong. Don’t spend more than 10 seconds to decide where to place them.
When all the ideas are placed on the matrix, take a step back and review your grid. Do you still think the post-its belong where they are? Discuss with your team. Maybe you want to re-arrange something. You can also merge one idea with another to increase success rates. You can even strip down an idea to make it easier to implement and have higher impact. There are no set rules. This is for you to have a full overview of your thoughts making it easier to choose that ‘million dollar idea’. Your ultimate goal is to have one or several ideas in the top right corner.
If you have any difficulties or questions making this work, hit us up on twitter @thepopupagency where we’re ready to help you!
Until next time,
Remember that creativity is a mindset, not a skill and that we all possess it.
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