Ideation defines the 3rd step in the design thinking process and involves generating ideas to solve a specific challenge in a judgment-free environment. Likewise, during ideation workshops, participants are encouraged to share as many ideas as possible.

Ideation workshops are characterized by:

• Unusual settings: It's better if the workshop location is outside of a familiar working space to introduce new stimuli. Make sure participants still feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
• Judgment-free environment: While the discussion is going on, teams should focus on the quantity, not the quality of ideas. You'll analyze them later in a follow-up session.
• Teammates from various departments: Invite people from various departments to hear diverse, out-of-box perspectives.

What is the best time to conduct ideation workshops?

• At the very beginning of a project
• After the completion of user research
• At any design stage where progress is slowed and you need to find new angles