ideointivaiheen

Ideointivaihe, or ideation phase, is a stage in innovation management and product development where teams generate and explore a broad set of ideas to address a defined problem or opportunity. In Finnish practice, it follows problem framing and precedes concept evaluation and development. The phase emphasizes divergent thinking, collaboration, and rapid exploration rather than immediate implementation.

Purpose and scope: The objective is to widen the potential solutions, capture diverse viewpoints, and identify concepts that meet user needs and business constraints. It aims to create a large idea pool and to lower barriers to creative thinking by welcoming unconventional proposals. The phase focuses on exploring multiple directions rather than selecting a single solution.

Process and methods: Ideointivaihe is typically conducted through structured sessions and workshops. Common techniques include brainstorming, brainwriting, mind mapping, and SCAMPER. Other approaches include bodystorming, co-creation with users and stakeholders, and quick sketches or storyboards to visualize concepts. Some teams adopt time-boxed formats or design-sprint-like cycles to produce concrete concepts for testing.

Outputs: The phase yields a set of ideas and concept sketches, user scenarios, potential value propositions, and initial feasibility considerations. A shortlist of promising concepts is prepared for more detailed evaluation in the next phase.

Relation to other phases: Ideointivaihe feeds into concept evaluation, prototyping, and development, and is informed by user research and problem framing. It benefits from clear goals, defined success criteria, and skilled facilitation.

Challenges and considerations: Common pitfalls include groupthink, premature judging, scope creep, or lack of stakeholder buy-in. Effective ideation requires inclusive participation, time-boxing, and criteria for moving ideas forward.