Brainstorming the Basics: What Is the UX Ideation Phase?

“Hmmmm, do we have new ice cream flavors?”

Imagine you’re the owner of an ice cream truck that’s been open for a long time. Every week, you welcome hundreds of friends who come to enjoy your ice cream. But over time, you notice fewer and fewer people stopping by. Eventually, you realize that not creating any new recipes is the main reason your friends are getting bored. This is the time ideation stage (often translated as the “idea generation” phase in the UX Design) come in to help you!

What Is Ideation?

When we talk about ideation, we mean coming up with as many ideas as possible to solve a specific problem. Think of it like working on a group project at school—everyone huddles together, shares wacky ideas, and sees which ones stick. It’s a lot like dumping every flavor of ice cream topping onto the counter and sorting out which combinations sound the most delicious.

Why Is It Important?

The ideation phase encourages wild thinking, prevents you from getting stuck on just one idea, and makes sure everyone’s creativity shines. Even a suggestion that seems silly can spark something brilliant. In a real-life example, picture designing a new snack bar for the school cafeteria. You’d brainstorm flavors, draw quick sketches, and talk about which ideas would be tasty, affordable, or easy to make.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Just like you wouldn’t appreciate mysterious ice cream if no one told you what flavor it was, a UX project can’t thrive if the team doesn’t gather and explore ideas first. The ideation phase is the spark that lights everything else. Without it, you’re left with a shiny, but confusing, product that no one really knows how to use. Embrace the brainstorming process, and remember: a sprinkle of imagination can lead to a truly amazing experience.