PromptUX designUpdated January 27, 2026

Ideation Techniques & Exercises

Generate creative ideas using structured ideation techniques like How Might We, Crazy 8s, and brainstorming exercises.

Prompt

Help me run an ideation session to generate ideas for [problem/challenge]. Include:

1. Preparation
   - Problem framing review
   - Success criteria for ideas
   - Constraints to consider
   - Number of participants
   - Time available

2. Problem Reframing (How Might We)
   Create 10-15 "How Might We" statements:
   - Reframe the problem from different angles
   - Start broad, then get specific
   - Focus on opportunities, not solutions yet
   - Make them actionable and inspiring
   - Example: "How might we make onboarding feel effortless?"

3. Crazy 8s Exercise
   - Instructions for 8 ideas in 8 minutes
   - How to fold paper into 8 sections
   - Tips for rapid sketching
   - Focus on quantity over quality
   - No idea is too wild

4. Brainstorming Techniques
   For each technique, provide:
   - When to use it
   - How to run it
   - Time needed
   - Materials required
   
   Techniques:
   - Brain dump: Individual idea generation
   - Round robin: Taking turns sharing ideas
   - Build on ideas: "Yes, and..." approach
   - Worst possible idea: Reverse thinking
   - SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Reverse
   - Analogies: "How would [company/person] solve this?"

5. Divergent Thinking Prompts
   - What if we had no constraints?
   - What if we started from scratch?
   - What if we did the opposite?
   - What if our users were [different persona]?
   - What would [inspiring company] do?
   - What if technology wasn't a limitation?

6. Facilitation Tips
   - Create psychological safety
   - Defer judgment
   - Encourage wild ideas
   - Build on others' ideas
   - Stay focused on the topic
   - Go for quantity first
   - Use visual aids and sketches

7. Idea Capture
   - How to document ideas quickly
   - Use sticky notes or digital tools
   - One idea per note
   - Include rough sketches
   - Number or name each idea

8. Warm-Up Exercises
   Quick exercises to get creative juices flowing:
   - Draw your worst idea
   - 30 uses for a paperclip
   - Mash-up two unrelated things
   - Redesign everyday objects

9. Time Management
   - Suggested timing for each activity
   - When to move on vs. dig deeper
   - Break timing
   - Energy management

10. Next Steps After Ideation
    - How to review and cluster ideas
    - Voting or dot-voting techniques
    - Selecting ideas to develop further
    - Combining and refining concepts

Format as a complete ideation facilitation guide with specific exercises, timing, and instructions.

How to use

1Replace [problem/challenge] with your specific problem. Example: "improving mobile app onboarding" or "reducing cart abandonment"
2Add context: Describe the problem background, target users, and constraints. Example: "Problem: 60% of users drop off during onboarding. Users: First-time app users. Constraint: Can't change core flow."
3Specify format: Mention "Solo brainstorming" or "Team session with 5 people" for tailored techniques
4Set time limit: Say "We have 2 hours" or "Quick 30-minute session" for appropriate activities
5Paste the prompt into your preferred AI tool, like ChatGPT or Claude
6Review techniques: Pick 2-3 techniques that fit your time and team
7Prepare materials: Get sticky notes, markers, paper, or digital whiteboard ready
8Run the session: Follow the facilitation guide and capture all ideas

Pro Tips

• Start with divergence: Generate lots of ideas before converging on the best ones
• Set a timer: Time pressure helps overcome overthinking and boosts creativity
• No bad ideas: Defer all judgment during ideation - evaluate later
• Build momentum: Start with warm-up exercises to get the team comfortable
• Mix techniques: Combine multiple techniques for diverse ideas
• Document everything: Even "bad" ideas can spark good ones later
• Follow up: Schedule time to synthesize and develop promising ideas after the session