ideasideationis

Ideasideationis is a neologistic term used in speculative philosophy and cognitive design studies to describe a pattern of thought in which ideation proceeds through the internalization and projection of idealized schemas onto potential concepts. In this framework, thinkers foreground normative or aspirational ideals during the generation of ideas, effectively shaping problems and solutions to fit an envisioned “perfect” form. The term blends English idea with a Latin-inspired suffix -deationis, signaling a state or process of idea formation influenced by ideals.

Definition and mechanisms: The core mechanism of ideasideationis is ideal-oriented ideation, where constraints are downplayed or reframed as secondary to the ideal. This can enhance creative exploration by providing a clear aspirational target, but it can also bias evaluation, leading to premature convergence, overlooking trade-offs, or masking practical limitations. The process is often described as a loop between envisioning an ideal and adjusting ideas to align with it, sometimes at the expense of alternative perspectives.

Origins and reception: The term appears in limited, niche discussions within design thinking and cognitive theory circles from the early 2020s. There is no formal consensus on its criteria or measurement, and it is frequently presented as a diagnostic label rather than a predictive theory. Proponents argue that it helps articulate the aspirational aspects of ideation, while critics caution that it risks conflating distinct concepts such as idealization, cognitive bias, and normative reasoning.

Relation to related ideas: Ideasideationis is related to idealization, aspirational thinking, and ideation under constraint. It is often discussed alongside design thinking, creativity research, and discussions of value-laden reasoning in problem-solving.

See also: ideation, idealization, cognitive bias, design thinking.