The ‘Relay Ideation’ Technique: Moving from Problem Understanding to Problem Solving in the Design Process

Abstract

Abstract. When describing the design process in product innovation, many authors identify phases that can be described as 'problem analysis' and 'generating ideas'. Several techniques are available to support design teams in each of these phases, but it remains a challenge to move from understanding a problem to coming up with ideas for concepts that might solve the problem. In addition, some of these techniques have counterproductive social side effects, which in fact may impede creativity in a design team. In this paper we describe a new technique for product idea generation called the 'relay ideation' technique. This technique was developed to help design teams move from understanding a problem to thinking creatively and concretely about the problem in order to generate concepts for innovative products or services. The technique is illustrated with a case study about IT applications for hearing-impaired children.

Distributed User-Generated Card Based Co-Design

“…To facilitate idea generation, we used analogies as a problem-solving strategy to help participants restructure problems and combine ideas in a stepwise approach (cf. [7]). We asked participants to address a problem they experience, related to one of the themes of the workshop.…”

“…They facilitated collaboration across separate participant groups using objects that separate groups worked on sequentially to communicate ideas and knowledge and facilitate creative collaboration. The Relay Ideation Technique is another sequential technique [7]; It breaks up the ideation process into small steps allowing participants to elaborate on ideas of others and create a solution collectively without necessarily having to be co-located. Besides sequential techniques, we also draw on ideation card techniques, such Halskov and Dalsgaard's [2] Inspiration Card Workshops to bring different sources of inspiration into the design process.…”

The EDIT UX Framework: A User-Centered Approach to Effective Product Redesign

“…Problem-Driven Ideation: This stage advocates for an ideation process that is intrinsically linked to user-identified challenges. By transforming problems into catalysts for innovation, the design approach ensures that solutions are not only creative but also deeply rooted in addressing real user needs (Bennett et al, 2016;Slegers et al, 2013).…”

“…Utilizing the Evaluation Report as a roadmap, they navigate through user pain points and accessibility barriers, translating them into well-defined design challenges. This process, underpinned by user feedback and data, sets a clear direction for ideation, ensuring that every design opportunity is anchored in real user needs (Bennett et al, 2016;Slegers et al, 2013).…”

Using Game Principles in UX Research

“…By working in pairs, we aimed to facilitate discussion and the generation of questions [7]. The game moderator would involve all players in the discussions by asking if the other players would have asked a similar question.…”