ideatasolla

Ideatasolla is a fictional concept used in design thinking and creative pedagogy to describe a structured approach to idea generation. The term is a neologism intended to evoke an "idea island" metaphor, where each island represents a cluster of related concepts, features, or prototypes. In this model, participants brainstorm broadly and then organize ideas by placing them onto islands based on shared themes, user needs, or feasibility. Islands can be expanded, merged, or split, and connections between islands illustrate potential synergies and pathways to synthesis. The approach emphasizes bounded creativity: working within defined islands reduces cognitive load while maintaining breadth.

In practice, ideatasolla is employed in workshops and classrooms. Facilitators typically begin with a divergent ideation phase, then translate ideas into island labels and sketches on walls or boards. Regular review cycles help identify opportunities for integration, prioritize concepts, and map routes from ideas to tangible outcomes. The method is compatible with other ideation techniques such as mind mapping, affinity grouping, or rapid prototyping, and can be used in early-stage product development or strategy sessions.

Critics argue that the island metaphor may constrain thinking if applied rigidly, and its effectiveness depends on skilled facilitation and clear criteria for island creation. Proponents contend that the metaphor supports structured creativity, collaborative sensemaking, and visible synthesis of complex ideas.

See also design thinking, mind mapping, ideation.