The brainstorming (or ideation) phase is only one part of the larger problem solving process.

Here we introduce the two steps on either side of ideation: Understand and Evaluate.

 

 

When a problem arises, the first step towards resolution is to clarify what it is that you are attempting to fix.

 

 

With the clarity of understanding, you can then move to the brainstorming (or ideation) step which leverages creative play to generate ideas.

 

 

The Evaluation step is the follow-up analysis and critique work needed to determine which of the masses of ideas have real applicable value.

 

 

After the Evaluation step comes testing, planning, implementation and so on. These are outside the scope of this resource.