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Ideation Techniques

A structured method used to generate a wide range of possible solutions to a problem before one is selected for development

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O1 - Innovative Solutions — Module 4, VCE Software Development - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 83, VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 119, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Designing user interfaces and experiences — Module 11, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Real-World Problems and Solution Requirements — Module 23

Understanding Ideation Techniques in VCE Innovative Solutions

What it does: SCAMPER is the prompt-based technique using cues like Substitute and Combine. Divergent thinking is the process of generating many varied ideas before selection. Mind mapping starts with a central idea and branches outward to related ideas. Ideation techniques are used to generate ideas before a final solution is selected. Multiple ideation techniques can be combined to explore a problem from different angles. Effective brainstorming avoids early judgement so more ideas can be generated freely. Stopping after one idea defeats the purpose of brainstorming, which values quantity of ideas first.

Common mistakes: Brainstorming focuses on generating many ideas, not just one perfect idea. Mind mapping can be done individually or in a group, not only by one person.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Part 1 of 2) and word search (All modules).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning

Duo

Which technique involves a group freely calling out many ideas without early judgement?

BrainstormingSCAMPER

Matches

The team picked the first idea suggested and stopped brainstorming immediately

↓

Brainstorming should generate many ideas before any are judged or chosen

Applying

Meanings

Term

Ideation technique

Meaning

A structured method used to generate a wide range of possible solutions to a problem before one is selected for development

Practice

1. Brainstorming

Testing

Gaps

Check Answer

Spots

1Brainstorming is a group ideation technique.

2It focuses on generating one perfect idea only.

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Quick Questions

1. Which technique involves a group freely calling out many ideas without early judgement?

A. SCAMPER

B. Brainstorming ✓

Brainstorming is a group technique focused on generating many ideas without judging them early.

2. Does mind mapping use a central idea with branches to related ideas?

A. False

B. True ✓

Mind mapping starts with a central idea and branches outward to related ideas.

3. Which technique uses prompts like Substitute, Combine, and Adapt?

A. SCAMPER ✓

B. Mind mapping

SCAMPER uses a set of prompts including Substitute, Combine, and Adapt to spark ideas.

4. Does divergent thinking aim to narrow ideas down to just one?

A. False ✓

B. True

Divergent thinking aims to generate many varied ideas, not narrow them down to one.

5. Do ideation techniques happen before or after a solution is selected?

A. Before ✓

B. After

Ideation techniques are used to generate ideas before a final solution is selected.

Match the Pairs

A group calling out ideas freely without early judgement → Brainstorming

A diagram with a central idea and branching related ideas → Mind mapping

A technique using prompts such as Substitute and Combine to generate ideas → SCAMPER

Generating a wide range of varied ideas before narrowing down → Divergent thinking

The team picked the first idea suggested and stopped brainstorming immediately → Brainstorming should generate many ideas before any are judged or chosen

A mind map was drawn with no central idea, just a random list of words → A mind map needs a central idea with branches connecting related ideas

Key Term

Ideation technique

A structured method used to generate a wide range of possible solutions to a problem before one is selected for development

Fill in the Blanks

1. 1. Brainstorming 2. Mind mapping 3. SCAMPER

Hint: Type the group technique for freely calling out many ideas

2. 1. Brainstorming 2. Mind mapping 3. SCAMPER

Hint: Type the technique that visually branches out related ideas

3. 1. Brainstorming 2. Mind mapping 3. SCAMPER

Hint: Type the prompt-based technique using substitute, combine, adapt, etc.

4. Goal of ideation: generate many possible ideas

Hint: Type the word describing ideas that could work, not confirmed ones

5. Ideation happens before a single idea is chosen

Hint: Type the word showing ideation happens ahead of selection

Spot the Error

Question 1

A Brainstorming is a group ideation technique.

B It focuses on generating one perfect idea only.

C Ideas are recorded without early judgement.

D It is often used at the start of a project.

Line B — Brainstorming focuses on generating many ideas, not just one perfect idea.

Question 2

A Mind mapping starts with a central idea.

B Related ideas branch outward from the centre.

C Mind mapping can only be done by one person.

D It helps show connections between ideas.

Line C — Mind mapping can be done individually or in a group, not only by one person.

Question 3

A SCAMPER is only used after a solution is finished.

B SCAMPER is a prompt-based ideation technique.

C It stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, and more.

D It helps generate new ideas from an existing one.

Line A — SCAMPER is used during idea generation, before a solution is finished, not after.

Question 4

A Divergent thinking aims to produce many ideas.

B It happens early in the ideation process.

C It encourages exploring unusual possibilities.

D Divergent thinking narrows ideas down to one.

Line D — Narrowing ideas down to one is convergent thinking, not divergent thinking.

Question 5

A Ideation techniques guarantee the first idea works.

B They are used before development begins.

C Multiple techniques can be combined.

D Ideation techniques generate possible solutions.

Line A — Ideation techniques don't guarantee success — ideas still need evaluation and refinement.

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