(by 11 people)
This lens is about using the web as a tool for self brainstorming, idea generating, creative-block removing and as a provider of new roots for the search of fresh unexpected ideas.
Brainstorm with Pictures
You'll be surprised how many ideas you can get from just LOOKING at pictures.
- Flickr slideshow
- Think of a keyword regarding your problem and run a search with that term. Then click "View as slideshow" link, located on the top-right corner. Now ust stare at the slideshow and your ideas will pop!
- Google Images
- You can do the same with Google Image search (no slideshow here). Just run a search with a term related to your problem and browse through. Look at the pictures, think of your problem and let ideas flow.
- Google montage
- A cool tool making a montage from Google image results.
- Scribble & Stare
- Scribble in Jackson Pollock style, then stare at it and let your mind flow. Think of your problem, imagine you see the solution inside your painting. Look at the lines, look at the spaces between them. Answers will come! You can also change colors by left-clicking your mouse.
A nice little tool by Miltos Maletas.
Online Random Stimulation
Be open minded, be an explorer, take a random root and see where it leads you.
Generate ideas with Random Stimulation lens.
- Random creative "Whack" card
- This tool, by Roger Van Oech, gives you a random thinking direction, using a creative card drawing and explnation. Every time you refresh the page - you get a new one.
- Random Word
- You simply get a random word every time you refresh the page. Try to find a connection between your problem and the random word.
- Random Website
- Let this page lead you to a place you have never been to. Try to stay there for few minutes. Even if you think it has nothing to do with your problem - just browse and let ideas surface.
- Random product ideas
- A cool generator of random product ideas. Use it not to find an idea - but to open your mind and be inspired.
- Google Sets
- Write down 3-5 related terms, and let Google find a set of related terms.
Online Brainstorming Tools
Some useful free online tools
- Mouse Brains
- A good brainstorming tool, Clear and easy to use. Planned mainly for Advertising Creatives - but can be helpful for others as well.
- Bubbl.us
- Bubbles is a basic but effective mind-mapping web2 app. Simple and easy to use. I found it very fast and good for basic and quick mind-mapping.
More "Logical" Tools
Step by step, Online tools that guide you through a creative process.
- Creative Jumpstart
- 5 minutes idea generating tool.
- Idea Lottery
- A nice association game that leads you to make unpredictable connections.
- Solution Machine
- Rather complicated but very thorough. Need about 30 minutes.
Idea Banks: Be inspired by others
- Global Ideas Bank
- Thousands of ideas from every corner of the globe.
- WhyNot? Idea Exchange
- How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big and Small.
Creative Thinking Card Decks
Cards to buy from Amazon
Innovative Whack Pack
2,500 year old innovation insights that also work today!
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 07/09/2008)
Creative Whack Pack
A powerful tool to slam any creative block.
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 07/09/2008)
Thinkpak: A Brainstorming Card Deck
A tool for brainstorming, based on the author's wonderfully useful acronym SCAMPER technique.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2008)
More cards
- Some Ideas for Solving Problems
- A cool deck of cards, very simple, clear and friendly.
New Guestbook
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poddys
Good ideas, nice lens. You got 5***** from me, plus I gave you a Thumbs Up at Stumbleupon. Posted May 03, 2008 |
Thanks squidoo! this really helped me!
Posted November 23, 2007
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afekgolomb
Cool. Nice ideas. The visual methods worked for me. Posted October 24, 2006 |
