Unidea

Unidea is a term used in design thinking and creative practice to describe an idea that is intentionally left undefined or open-ended. It functions as a placeholder that can adapt as projects unfold across disciplines.

In practice, unideas are not solutions but prompts. They establish boundaries useful for exploring multiple interpretations while avoiding premature commitments.

Origin and usage: The term appears in contemporary design and education discourse, particularly in speculative design, user research, and cross-disciplinary workshops.

Characteristics: Unideas emphasize ambiguity and flexibility, with notes that may include context, constraints, and intended aims, but intentionally avoid fixed specifications.

Applications: They appear in brainstorming, early-stage concept development, and policy or scenario planning to elicit divergent thinking and guide later refinement.

Evaluation: Some critics argue that unideas can delay decision-making or create confusion; proponents contend they prevent tunnel vision and support resilient strategy.

See also: idea, design thinking, speculative design.