How to get ideas from Nothing

Ideas from nothing

Always start with a clear focus.   I want ideas on _________________

Step 1. Brainstorm starting ideas

 Brainstorming rules

1. Do a warm-up

2. Think widely and creatively

3. Hitchhike on ideas

4. Don't roadblock

5. Record all ideas

6. Review/Clarify later

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Step 2. Random Association

Think of a number between 1 and 10. Then make a connection between your focus and the corresponding numbered word below to generate fresh ideas.

Random Words

1.Elephant

2. Hat

3. Balloon

4. Tax

5. Space

6. Watch

7. Soap

8. Scales

9. Rose

10. Banana

Your ideas:

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Example:

Focus: uses for a paperclip

Random word : No. 2 Hat

Idea: I could use a paperclip as a Hat Pin or use them instead of corks to keep flies away.

Step 3. Concept Extraction 

Pick any idea from above, ask what is the concept behind it?

Then see what other ideas you could generate using that concept ...

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