Address the lack of time challenge
Many practitioners face time constraints not just in ideation itself, but also in conducting user research and following up on ideas.
Common issues include:
- The pressure to quickly choose a design path
- Agile development cycles not accommodating UX
- Clients prioritizing development over design budget-wise[1]
Despite these constraints, successful ideation doesn't necessarily require extensive time. Studies reveal that teams with effective ideation processes aren't spending more time on it than others. This suggests the importance lies in how the available time is utilized, not just in the quantity of time allocated.[2]
How can you address the time challenge in ideation?
- Prioritize setting clear objectives for each session
- Streamline the process with techniques like time-boxing, where specific periods are dedicated to ideation
- Encourage rapid, focused brainstorming to generate diverse ideas quickly
References
- Ideation in Practice: How Effective UX Teams Generate Ideas | Nielsen Norman Group
- Ideation Doesn't Waste Time, It Saves Time (Video) | Nielsen Norman Group
