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Need Ideas?

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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.

It's simple: think of your problem - and look at a picture, even if it has nothing to do with your problem. Wait a moment, see if anything comes up. Then move to the next one.
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.

Remember: you never know where a great idea is coming from.Learn more about Random Stimulation technique at
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

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More cards

Some Ideas for Solving Problems
A cool deck of cards, very simple, clear and friendly.

New Guestbook

  • poddys May 3, 2008 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    Good ideas, nice lens. You got 5***** from me, plus I gave you a Thumbs Up at Stumbleupon.
  • missm Nov 23, 2007 @ 4:13 pm | delete
    Thanks squidoo! this really helped me!
  • afekgolomb Oct 24, 2006 @ 5:38 pm | delete
    Cool. Nice ideas. The visual methods worked for me.
    Afek.
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Ranen_Carmel

Creative proffesionl. Worked as a copywriter and creative director at leading advertising agencies. Currently creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi... more »

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