Having a process also allows you to think of ideas that may not be easily apparent. What's one thing you do to help come up with new ideas? How can you incorporate this into a repeatable framework (for yourself as well as those you collaborate with)?
When I am browsing on Instagram I tend to pay close attention to all types of ads, whether I am interested in the product or not, and I save ones that have elements that I believe can be incorporated in my own advertising, which I sometimes share with my colleagues. Going forward, I can set aside time to be more intentional about looking for ads on multiple platforms for inspiration as part of my Gathering Raw Material step in the Ideation Process.
When I brainstorm solo, I have to get away from your normal work space...somewhere you can think out loud, unrestrained, away from any distractions, cellphones, people.
I love researching ideas that other companies have done. Once I have that framework, I can start thinking about what works, what doesn't work, and what new ideas I can bring to turn it into something original.
Research. I do a lot of research online and somehow I always come up with ideas based on my findings. The idea not be related to the research results but it always leads to something.
I keep a sketchbook of both writing and drawing. I make little infographics, lists, or however I'm able to get an idea down. A lot of times I forget a thought that I had earlier in the process. So having a book I can flip back through helps as I can revisit earlier ideas. It ends up building off itself to reach completely new ideas.
I enjoy creating mood/vision boards with links to different content that might help spark ideas. Milanote is one of my favorite tools since I can visually see and move through related content from others. Then I can draw lines to notes I create regarding the content. This helps me continue to build upon my ideas by stacking through the content and notes.
Most of my ideas come from conversation, interactions with others on social media or regular problems I face day to day. I tend to write down everything and think of ways to solve these problems.
I consume content a lot. On social media, especally Instagram, I'm always looking for a wide variety of content. Sometimes, in line with my field. This sparks my creative juices.
One valuable part of my creative process is meeting regularly with those who work 1:1 with customers in support as well as with chat bot team. I like to hear what problems and questions our customers are asking to generate SEO-friendly and customer-focused content ideas.
I go to the book store and get inspired by magazines and books. I also read a bunch of newspapers online with inspiring content. I keep track of my ideas on my phone and then notebooks.
If I already have a base for a repeatable framework, I think I could work with my colleagues into a braindump and see what could ideas come. After the braindumb, we could put togheter the framework and the braindump board, and use the used or new post-its to fit int to the framework.
To get ideas I read, listen to podcasts, follow inspirational instagram pages, etc. However it's also important to take breaks so that you do not burnout.
