In ideation design research is a requisite. To be an idea generator one needs to be empathetic and understand people and their needs. The ability to identify problems or challenges should be innate. Implemented solutions to identified problems need to effect positive change or as a minimum result in improvement. To achieve this, the ‘ideator’ should ensure that they have an understanding of processes and systems, think about design and design thinking. Analysis of data and visual communication and representation of findings and adequate solutions need to be presented in a way that clear and concise. This to ensure that a vast class of audience members can comprehend without compromising the quality of the study. For an ideation based project to come to completion, a multidisciplinary team of various industries is often necessary (BDes Ideation Design, 2021).
Now that you have a better understanding of what ideation is and what the role of an idea generator entails, here’s how I came to know of the field. Rewind to 2013 I found myself on Inscape’s (a design-focused tertiary institution) website, intending to further my education. I have since my primary years been drawn to anything creative. My favourite subject was as you may guess, design and technology, and art. With a background in architecture and having acquired a certificate in the basics of graphic design it is no surprise that I was drawn to the institution.
After familiarising myself with the various design course on offer the ‘multipotentialite’ in me was left in a worse state of confusion, as all courses on offer did excite me. Side note: a multipotentialite is a person who doesn’t just have one true calling, such a person just has too many interests and creative pursuits (Wapnick, 2015).
Back to my interaction with Inscape’s platform, somehow I came across a career interest test that was able to give a prediction as to which course the aspirant student would be best suited for. I decided to take the test and, low and behold, it was spot on. I was then redirected to the Ideation design page and upon taking a second look into the course and the focus of study. My mind was made up. So certain with my decision that I decided to postpone my studies and proceeded to wait an enter year for it to be available, it was due to commence in 2015. This was one of the best decisions that I have made to date.
Emilie in her Tedtalk further gives characteristics of a ‘multipotentialite’ being, she goes on to describe this particular individual as one who has threes distinct superpowers: idea synthesis is the ability to combine two or more fields and then create someone unique at the intersection thereof. Rapid learning, and adaptability (Wapnick, 2015)
These ‘superpowers’ skills are very complementary to the role of an ideator. My main reason, however, for selecting and pursuing this course is because it would get me a step closer to becoming the social designer that seeks to have a positive impact in disadvantaged communities, first and foremost those in South Africa, followed by Southern African countries and eventually Africa. This, for me, is the reason why ideation is important and necessary for the advancement of society.
References
https://www.inscape.ac. (2021). BDes Ideation Design. Available at https://www.inscape.ac/courses/south-africa/undergraduate/bachelors/ideation-design/. Accessed April 2021
ted.com. (2015). Why some of us don’t have one true calling, Emilie Wapnick, TedExBend. Available at https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling?language=en#t-423470 Accessed April, 2021
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