Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ideation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💡
Add to dictionary

ideation

[ˌaɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

creative process

The process of forming ideas or concepts. Ideation involves brainstorming, creativity, and innovation.

Synonyms

brainstorming, creativity, innovation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ideation

Used when discussing the formation of ideas and concepts, particularly in academic or psychological contexts.

  • The workshop focused on the ideation process for new product development.
  • Ideation is an essential step in the design thinking methodology.
brainstorming

Used when referring to a group activity intended to generate many ideas quickly and efficiently. It often implies an informal and collaborative atmosphere.

  • We had a brainstorming session to come up with a new marketing strategy.
  • Brainstorming can help unlock fresh ideas when a team is stuck.
creativity

Used when describing the ability to think of new or original ideas, typically in artistic or imaginative contexts.

  • Her creativity shines in her artwork.
  • Creativity is essential for problem-solving and innovation.
innovation

Used when referring to the process of introducing new ideas, methods, or products. It often has a positive connotation and is associated with progress and improvement.

  • Innovation is key to staying competitive in the tech industry.
  • The company's latest innovation has set a new standard in the market.

Examples of usage

  • Ideation is a crucial step in the product development process.
  • The team had a productive ideation session, generating many innovative ideas.
  • Effective ideation requires thinking outside the box.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A process of generating ideas that can lead to new solutions or insights. It is often used in psychological counseling or therapy.

Synonyms

creative thinking, idea generation, problem-solving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ideation

Primarily used in professional or psychological settings to describe the process of forming ideas, especially with a focused or analytical approach.

  • The team held an ideation session to brainstorm new marketing strategies.
  • During therapy, ideation about one's future plans can be a useful exercise.
creative thinking

Often used to describe the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative and original solutions, frequently in artistic or inventive contexts.

  • Her creative thinking led to a unique design for the product.
  • Encouraging creative thinking in schools can lead to more innovative solutions.
idea generation

Typically used in business or workshop settings to describe the process of coming up with multiple ideas in a structured manner.

  • Our next meeting will focus on idea generation for the new project.
  • We used various techniques for idea generation to tackle the company's biggest challenges.
problem-solving

Used in practical and business contexts to describe the process of finding solutions to specific issues or challenges.

  • Effective problem-solving skills are essential for any good leader.
  • The team's problem-solving approach helped them overcome the project's obstacles.

Examples of usage

  • Ideation therapy helps individuals explore new perspectives and solutions.
  • The therapist guided the patient through a session of ideation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, ideation often refers to the mental process of generating thoughts, not always resulting in actions.
  • It can be a part of creative thinking processes, helping individuals solve problems in innovative ways.
  • Traumatic experiences can lead to negative ideation, where individuals may think about harmful actions.

Education

  • Many educational settings encourage ideation through brainstorming sessions, allowing students to explore their creativity.
  • The design thinking process in education uses ideation as a key step to foster innovative solutions.
  • Educators often emphasize ideation to improve critical thinking and collaboration skills among students.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of design and innovation, famous figures like Steve Jobs emphasized the importance of ideation in creating groundbreaking products.
  • Various reality shows and contests, like 'Shark Tank', showcase entrepreneurs' ideation in bringing new business ideas to life.
  • In movies, characters often have 'aha moments' of ideation that lead them to solve problems or create inventions.

Business

  • In business, ideation sessions can involve teams brainstorming to develop new products and enhance marketing strategies.
  • Companies like Google hold 'ideation workshops' to inspire employees to think creatively and collaboratively.
  • Effective ideation can significantly impact a company's success, leading to innovative solutions and competitive advantages.

Origin of 'ideation'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ideation' comes from the Latin word 'ideatio', meaning 'the act of forming ideas'.
  • It gained popularity in the early 20th century within psychology and creativity discussions.
  • The prefix 'ide-' relates to 'idea', showing its focus on thinking and imagination.

The term 'ideation' originates from the Latin word 'ideare', which means 'to form an idea'. The concept of ideation has been prevalent throughout history, with philosophers, artists, and innovators engaging in the creative process of generating ideas. In modern times, ideation has become a crucial element in fields such as design thinking, business innovation, and psychology.

See also: idea, ideas, ideate, ideational, ideology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,997, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.