ideatie

Ideatie, or ideation in Dutch usage, is the process of generating and developing ideas to address a problem or opportunity. It is a key phase in design thinking, product and service development, marketing strategy, and policy planning. The aim is to broaden the solution space by producing a wide range of concepts before refining and selecting those with the highest potential.

Common ideation methods emphasize divergent thinking to explore many possibilities, followed by convergent thinking to narrow them down. Techniques include structured brainstorming, brainwriting, mind mapping, SCAMPER (substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, reverse), and rapid prototyping or sketching. Facilitation, diverse participating groups, and time-boxed sessions are often used to foster creativity while maintaining focus.

Outputs of ideatie typically comprise a portfolio of concepts, sketches, user scenarios, or early prototypes, along with criteria for evaluation and prioritization. Selection often relies on feasibility, desirability, and viability assessments, as well as impact–effort analyses or scoring frameworks to balance innovation with practicality.

Terminology and scope vary by language and field. In Dutch usage, ideatie refers to this formal process of idea generation and development; the English term ideation is closely related and used across design, innovation, and business disciplines. While valuable for exploring opportunities, ideatie is most effective when integrated with subsequent testing, iteration, and implementation.

Challenges include group dynamics, such as dominance by certain participants or premature judgment, and the risk of generating many low-quality ideas if psychological safety and structure are lacking. Best practices emphasize inclusive participation, clear goals, and iterative refinement to translate ideas into viable solutions.