Idea Map

STEP 1

There are natural cycles to the creative process: times for broadening and opening up, and times for narrowing in and sharpening focus. Now that you’ve chosen the idea you want to develop, it’s time to zoom in, go deeper and make the idea more tangible. That’s what your Idea Map is for.Start off your Idea Map by simply writing down the name of your idea.

STEP 2

The aim throughout this process is to focus on a user-centric approach. So the second step of the Idea Map is pinpointing who your idea will serve. You want to be absolutely certain your idea matches that individual’s needs.

STEP 3

The next step focuses on the problem that your idea is meant to solve. Use this third section of the Idea Map to describe the pain point your idea would relieve.

STEP 4

Next, think of a few concise words to describe your idea. It doesn’t matter that this is just a first prototype. Keep in mind that an idea can only be as powerful as your ability to explain it.

STEP 5

Now let’s get real for a moment: What are the downsides to your idea? Make sure you know your weaknesses as well as you know your strengths. You can always find ways to address these weaknesses down the track.

STEP 6

Now it’s time to get visual: Grab something to draw with, and sketch out your Idea Map! The goal is to create a quick storyboard of your idea. An example could be drawing the steps that your user would go through.

STEP 7

The last step is sharing, of course. Show your Idea Map to your teammates and gather their feedback. Use this to keep iterating your idea again and again.