Creativity
From WikID
Contents |
Web-based creativity techniques database tool
The INNOWIZ 4-step-method makes any creative process transparent and tangible. The goal method is to help creative people to explore new concepts in thinking.
When to use
INNOWIZ is a web-based tool for all types of designers where knowledge, creativity, and methods easily can be looked up. The tool can support the designer in the different stages of the design process. By providing an overview of methods and techniques, it can help designers to regain grip on the design process when they tend to get stuck.
The main function
In general a creative process will consist of four different stages. These stage are:
- Problem definition
- Idea generation
- Idea selection and
- Idea communication
To help designers find the right tool for each stage INNOWIZ provides a online database of creativity techniques. These techniques are freely accessible via the website. In the database analog and advanced interactive Web 2.0 tools are accessible. All the techniques can be used to stimulate creative thinking for individuals or even groups.
Using the tool
Using the tool is easy just follow the steps down below
1) First choose the stage where you want to find techniques for. There are four cards representing the four stages. Click on the card to see more information on the stage.
2) Each card is a creativity technique. You can browse through the database using the up and down arrows.
3) Click on the card to see more information on the specific technique.
4) It is also possible to change the layout of the database from carddeck to overview. Click in the grey view menu on the right side the preferred view
5) Manage your own set of cards with the grey set menu on the left side. Select one or more templates to take a closer look. Than next click ‘Play sets’ to play
6) The selected set will show you the techniques selected in the set. The name of the set is displayed in the right top corner. You can browse the set with the black arrows.
7) It is possible to save your selected deck, but to do this a registration is required. The save button will appear on the left side after you are logged in
Recommendations and limitations
This tool is an ideal tool to plan and to choose different techniques in the different stages of the design process. The cards explain in a clear and quick manner how the technique is applied. Especially the overview mode gives the user the possibility to choose quick a method or technique. The first card of each stack acts as an checklist to see if steps are skipped during the process.
Limitations
Registration needed
To make use of all the functions a registration is needed. However for the main functions registration is not needed.
Language limitation
A limitation of the tool is that not all information on the cards are in English. This can cause problems with for the non-Dutch speaking designers.
Limited communications possibilities
The tool can mainly be used to gain information, it is not possible to add information. However it is possible to rate the methods and techniques and to leave comments.
Information is linked
The information on the site is linked to other websites. Although INNOWIZ is ideal to find this information it means that INNOWIZ does not control the information provided by the websites.
INNOWIZ experiences
We searched a tool to support us during the idea generation phase of a product design project. The project consisted of students with different backgrounds and experiences, which required a structured approach suitable for everyone. The INNOWIZ tool provided techniques to get everyone in the team on the same track and helped to structure the project planning. Information on how to write a project sheet, define a SMART goal and perform a good SWOT analysis was found on INNOWIZ. Although most members had already experience with these methods INNOWIZ made it easy to remember and explain to the client. Also in the idea generation phase the tool was helpful. The techniques found could be easy communicated to team and client and provided ideas for the product concepts in the project.
Interesting links
Industrial design center: http://www.industrialdesigncenter.be/
The tool was developers by researchers of this center
INNOWIZ Blog: http://innowizproject.blogspot.com/
Interesting information on the INNOWIZ project
D4S (Design for Sustainibility) Creativity Techniques: http://www.d4s-sbs.org/MD.pdf
