Brainstorming for Real-Life Solutions

This assignment focuses on brainstorming as a powerful tool for generating numerous solutions to real-world challenges. It emphasizes the importance of both individual and group brainstorming processes, exploring various techniques and encouraging the application of these methods to develop innovative solutions for diverse applications.

MGMT DESIGN

Executive Summary
In the next sixth months, I plan to complete my journey in creative design thinking. This is
the peak of my learning experience because it gives me a chance to apply what I have learnt
over the past. At this stage, I bring my ideas to life through a professional journey. This
includes the implimentation of personal changes that I have made as a person. One of the
greatest benefits that I have reaped from the course if concept development. I have learnt that
an idea does not become viable without this crucial thinking process. I believe in a value
chain that adds benefits in the design process. In a world where profitability is more
important my plan is to suppport the creation of solutions through value based approaches.
This report identifies the design thinnking process as well as the techniques used to simpify
the process. This method is effective in academic, professional and personal development.

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Personal development................................................................................................................3
Problem solving vs problem finding (Blog post #4 August 25 2017)....................................3
Core Values............................................................................................................................4
Professional development..........................................................................................................4
Six Months Plan.........................................................................................................................5
Visualization...........................................................................................................................5
Journey Mapping and mind mapping.....................................................................................6
Value Chain Analysis.............................................................................................................7
Brainstorming.........................................................................................................................7
Concept development.............................................................................................................7
Assumption testing.................................................................................................................7
Rapid Prototyping...................................................................................................................8
Customer co-creation..............................................................................................................8
Launching...............................................................................................................................8
Capturing Feedback...................................................................................................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................9
References................................................................................................................................10

Introduction
The contemporary business world today is about creating solutions to problems. Taking a
Design Thinking course is a unique learning experience for me because it shows me how to
develop ideas through creatity (Barringer & Ireland, 2016). Its practical approach is an
opportunity for me to sharpen my personal and professional skills. Competence in design
process starts with the ideation process. It is not enough to learn about DT because applied
design thinking adds more value. However, the process of developing ideas is systematic and
uses techniques. Through this process, I have learnt to approach creativity from a different
angle of professionalism, team work and result oriented thinking. This report describes this
learning process of reasoning and learning with suggestions for further professional
development ( Blog post #3 August 16 2017).
Personal development
Before this course, I used to think that creativity is an art subject that comprises of talented
perfomances, artistic drawings, fashion, and sculpture. I had no idea that everyone has the
ability to express creativity through the mind. In fact, I saw myself as a scientific person that
was not really creative. However, DT has made me realize my inner strengths through
thinking ( blog post # 1 30 July 2017). It is amazing how the world of thinking can give birth
to numerous unique ideas. I feel motivated by the fact that innovation spearheads
entrepreneurship because I have a business mind as a person (Liedtka & Ogilvie, 2011). The
group workshops have unveiled this truths in an amazing way.
Problem solving vs problem finding (Blog post #4 August 25 2017)
I am a visual person and I often channel this creativity to my social media page. However,
this course has taugt me how to use blogs for sharing serious ideas that other people can
understand (Shresta, 2017). I used to take photos and post on Instagram and Facebook just for
fun. This has changed because now I develop images through visualization, brainstoring and
spotting the obvious. Using design thinking tehcniques I can create a spiral of tens of ideas
through one single thought. I find it amazing that finding one solution leads to the discovery
of another. It is easier to create quality ideas now because of the visualization, journey
mapping, mind mapping, and brainstorming processes. These define what the idea is made of
and its alternatives.

Core Values
I am a principled person and it was a relief to learn that a designer is someone with values.
My focused is to use my graphic design skills to create a product that is appealing to the
customer. I have in mind a plan on how to do this through mind mapping ideas and
consultations from my team and professionals in the field ( blog post #5 27 August 2017) . As
I keep talkin about the idea, I receive new insights. I alighn myself with the right people in
order to build the right mindset. Every day, I need a stimulus so I peruse through quotes for
inspiration. This allows me to follow up on my idea and plan.
Being analytical, creative and logical is important because people have different ideas. I
realized that when sharing one idea with one individual, I often pick another idea from them.
I am open minded so I brainstorm on new ideas for different perspectives. As a divergent
thinker, I have ideas that flow freely. However, I need to channel them into a linear form
through convergent thinking techniques.
Figure 1: Design thinking process and its development stages
Professional development
While doing my research on design thinking, I realized that professionnal training
programmes are now offering creative tinking as a continuing education for professional
development (Harvard University, 2017). Such course benefit leaders, business strategiest
andcreative thinkers in business. I used to marvel at other people’s ideas especially in the

world of innovation. I would look at different car models and wonder how someone would
come up with an idea like the BMW X6 series. It looks like an aeroplane, has great
performance yet operates on road networks. Technological innovations like Facebook, the
TV, and smartphones are just out of the ordinary. Now I know how these come about because
creativity influences all industries in product and services (Glen, Suciu, Baugh, & Anson,
2015).
Learning about concept development is important because it enables me to create a story that
is different from others for a competitve edge. From personal research, I can confrim tha
business organizations tackle their challenges through creativity (Sekeran & Bougie, 2013).
Although I now know how to visualize and brains took torm, I also have to train myself on
how to utilize design thinking principles such as prototypying, research and co-creation. This
process teaches me to identify what works and what does not.
Six Months Plan
The world today is solving business problems through creativity (Hull, 2013). In order to
fulfill my mission, I need a plan on how to get my idea into the market. The design thinking
process facilitates for research, negotiation and value enhancement. It gives me a simple
guide on how to get started and progress to the launch. Below is a plan on how I intend to do
this. However, for a professionally proven approach, I choose to implement Liedtka &
Ogilvie (2011) formula of ten tools for designing growth in stages. I still have challenges
settng exact timelines but the plan covers a six months period.
Creative Thinking Technique Principle Task
Visualization Concept development Definition of the idea
Mindmapping Value Chain Analysis Drafting ideas using maps
Story boarding Prototyping Sketching sequence ideas
Brainstorming Co-creation Making consultations
Research Assumption Testing Analyzing systematic ideas
Figure 2: Idea development through creative thinking

Visualization
To start, I need to keep my ideas simple. I am aware that my success solely depends on my
ability to break down information into simplified ideas. My favorite techniques for this
process are storyboarding and the use of photographs as seen in my blogs (blog # 1 July 30
2017). This is the use of imagery or graphic experiences as representation of a product or
service. Its focus is on the benefits to the end user. My idea is to carry out an assessment of
the customer experience then generate an idea from that.
Journey Mapping and mind mapping
I will put into use the graphic presentation of ideas in posters with the customer in mind. This
will take a systematic process of journey mapping that identifies a process for the work
schedule. I learnt how to do this during workshops. At this stage, value creation is important
because the customer is at the center of the idea generation. My idea of problem solving is to
identify gaps and challenges in original ideas. This creates a simpler framework for journey
mapping. Using my background in research, I intend to create colorful themes and interviews
that describe the process (Mind Maps Unleashed, 2017).
Figure 3 : Example of mindmapping using colourful graphics

Figure 4: Example of a handwritten mind map for idea generation (Mind Maps Unleashed,
2017)
Value Chain Analysis
I view a value chain analysis as critical in the development of a business idea because the
modern consumer finds motivation in value. If I am to succeed in business, my focus in
design thinking should be on producing products that make a difference. One way of adding
value is to cross check the cost and benefit factors for profit margins at every stage of the idea
development (Davila, Epstein, & Shelton, 2012). I have already done some background
research using four mental states of divergent thinking, convergent thinking, analysis, and
synthesis (blog # 3 16 August 2017).
Brainstorming
Thinking deeply about some the business value network identifies competitive advantage as
an inspiration. Companies stand out because of their business ideas. A comparative study
between popular brands and beginners reveals interesting models designed as strategic ideas
(van der Heijden, 2011). From this I realize that I should not limit my ideas to products and
services only. Instead, I should also appreciate the value of ideas as stategic solutions for
business challenges ( blog #5 25 August 2017). This technique identifies alternatives by
appreciating th role of competitors.
Concept development
In all business ventures, research based design thinking is beneficial. In my plan, I have in
mind a collection of theories with concepts of what I want to design. I prefer to use a
systematic approach because it has proven record of failure experiments and successes.

Learning from past mistakes calls for the use of qualitative and quantities deductions in the
hypothesis (Zott, Amit, & Massa, 2011). In my 5th blog of August 2017, I give evidence of
journey mapping and mind mapping tools which are critical in concept development.
Presently, I am planning on how to find resources for this stage because I understand its cost
implications.
Assumption testing
In between the projects development stage is the sourcing of data from interviews, focus
groups and consumers. Currently, I hold the assumption that research provides answers to
some of the most complicated ideas and challenges. However, I cannot deny the fact that the
internet has compromised data that is not credible. Recently, I came across a YouTube page
that had an interesting video of how to develop a product. I later noticed that the producer
was not competent enough. I resolved to test all assumptions that I have about a product or
consumer need. I know of brands, which have failed in business because of designing
products that the consumer does not find useful (Jihee, 2017).
Rapid Prototyping
In my planned design, I incorporate aesthetics in the design. This is as important as
performance because people are visual first, before they can accept the usefulness of
products. I learn a lot from technology designers who continue to develop new computer
devices like iPads and laptops using sleek designs. Prototyping combines the design theory
with logic reasoning of what the design is about and how its design happens (Liedtka &
Ogilvie, 2011). I will make use of prototyping to explain this notion while proving tested
result. Quick thinking is necessary because it facilitates for faster analysis of ideas.
Customer co-creation
In my professional journey, I have worked with teams in different projects. This has instilled
in me a team spirit that probes ideas without neglecting the user and other industry players as
part of the process. I view customers as informed people who have the ability to create just as
I can. Appreciating what other designers have done is also important because it iterates and
deliberates on different ideas. The process of developing a blog was challenging for some of
my team members but we were able to assist each other by thinking through their own
thoughts for suggestions on the best approach to take ( blog post #3 August 16 2017) .

Launching
My final planned stage is the launching. From my studies, I know that it is possible to plan a
launch more than once. Therefore, I will not ignore any criticism from consumers because
they boost the launch of the process. My execution plan looks out for the prelaunch, which
seeks to obtain cues on customer satisfaction through a feedback process. I take it as a
learning process therefore I will not be skeptical about criticism (Jihee, 2017). I purpose to
concentrate on the relevant data and behavioral interpretation in order to avoid making
mistakes.
Capturing Feedback
I have always believed that failing to plan is setting up for failure. Therefore, I look forward
to making the most of this process because ideas can build empires. By taking customers
feedback seriously, I am sure of capturing important information by refining the idea.
Prototyping activities can be costly but I am prepared to make the sacrifice. I will use
multimedia recordings as a reminder for future improvement. I have learnt the value of
confidentiality in gathering information because it protects new ideas from leakage. Before I
can settle down to a concrete solution, I will weigh the strong points against weaknesses for
the best possible solution (Bruton, 2011).
Figure 5: Feedback capturing grid using a SWOT analysis approach

Conclusion
Design thinking is an intensive course for polishing creative minds into competent
processionals. I am a creative person but not in the artistic sense. I like to solve problems
through ideas. Before pursuing Design Thinking as a professional, I had many assumptions
about ideas and creativity. I would appreciate the beauty of products but I did not have
insight into its learning process. However, today, I feel confident to venture into the business
world using my ideas. This report explains this journey of turning a talented mind into a
business mind with limitless possibilities. I value the process of brainstorming on an idea as
an individual or in a group because it maps numerous solutions for real life applications.
References

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