Watch the following video to find out how to make the most of the "Finding ideas" template. It contains helpful information that can help you fill it out.
What you can do with the tool:
- Generate ideas
Use creativity techniques to develop a variety of ideas. - Collect ideas
Continuously record ideas and observations to create a broad basis. - Cluster ideas / define search fields
Sort and group your ideas to identify the most promising areas. - Select ideas
Evaluate your ideas based on specific criteria and select the best ones. - Testing ideas
Validate your ideas through direct user contact and initial prototypes.
The Further information gives you a more in-depth understanding of the "Find ideas" tool.
1. Generate ideas
Generating ideas is the starting point for every successful start-up. By identifying unsolved problems or untapped potential, you lay the foundation for innovative solutions.
The targeted search for ideas or unsolved problems helps you to identify potential business ideas based on your own experience and skills.
How do you find lots of ideas? Use various creativity techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping or the 635 method to generate ideas. Ask yourself which problems you observe in your everyday life or which needs have not yet been met.
Tips:
- Keep a digital or physical idea book that you always carry with you.
- Check your notes regularly to recognise new connections or patterns.
2. Collect ideas
Collecting ideas over a longer period of time will give you a better feel for recurring themes and patterns.
How?
Take a notebook and continuously jot down ideas, unsolved problems or interesting concepts that you come across. Be open to inspiration from various sources such as conversations, books or observations in everyday life.
Tips:
- Keep a digital or physical idea book that you always carry with you.
- Check your notes regularly to recognise new connections or patterns.
3. Cluster ideas / define search fields
Clustering helps you to group similar ideas or problems (from points 1 and 2) and recognise focal points that are particularly promising.
How?
Sort your collected ideas into categories or subject areas. Form groups of ideas that address similar needs or problems. Select the most interesting groups or search fields that you would like to focus on further.
Tips:
- Use coloured post-its or digital tools such as Trello or Miro to organise your ideas visually.
- Discuss your clusters with team members or mentors to gain new perspectives.
4. Select ideas
By selecting the best ideas, you focus your resources on the most promising approaches and maximise your chances of success.
How?
List the ideas to be evaluated and define assessment criteria such as feasibility, market potential, degree of innovation and personal passion. Use the trigger questions to support your evaluation and adjust the criteria as required.
Tips:
- Use evaluation methods such as the SWOT analysis or the benefit analysis.
- Get feedback from potential customers or experts to validate your selection.
5. Testing ideas
Testing your ideas with real users helps you to get valuable feedback early on and refine your concepts.
How?
Choose your most promising ideas and go out and talk to potential users and customers. Conduct interviews or surveys to find out more about their needs and challenges. Create simple prototypes of your ideas and test them with your users to get direct feedback.
Tips:
- Use tools such as Google Forms or Typeform for surveys and interviews.
- Build quick and inexpensive prototypes with materials such as paper, Lego or digital wireframes.
To learn more about prototyping visit: https://gruenderplattform.de/startup-gruenden/prototyping