"Stop thinking about artworks as objects
and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences."
This quote by Brian Eno is an example of both the magnificent mind of the aforementioned [B.E.] and the pure potential of an artist or designer's power in entering and answering problems. Based on research at MIT, the following strategy is an active move beyond brainstorming and is applicable to any creative pursuit. See the original MIT Sloan Management article.
1. Define the problem and solution space. What are the parameters of the problem? What are the limitations? To solve this prompt, you will need to define the boundaries of the problem.
2. Break the problem down. Use visual techniques like brainstorming, mind mapping, image inventories or any other ways your can explore visual representation.
3. Make the problem personal. How do you feel about the problem and THEN, what does your problem mean to people affected by it. How is your personal stance, also universal? Where does your perspective fit in the bigger picture?
4. Seek the perspective of outsiders. Get feedback, talk to peers, experts and other people within the system of the problem/solution being explored.
5. Diverge before you converge. Explore ALL of your ideas. Get them down on paper. Don't limit any potential solution before you have exhausted all relevant ideas
6. Create 'idea resumes.' An idea resume is a one-page document that explores where you see your work existing and what materials, resources and processes are needed to make it a reality.
7. Create a plan to learn. Even the 'best' ideas will inherently contain assumptions that need testing. The seventh step is to design these tests and to be clear and open to what you aim to learn from them.