Problem Inventory Analysis - ✔️✔️- A method for obtaining new ideas and solutions by
focusing on problems
- Uses individuals similar to focus groups, however, instead of generating new ideas
themselves, consumers in the group are provided with a list of problems in a general
product category. They then are asked to identify and discuss products in this category
that have the particular problem.
Creative Problem Solving - ✔️✔️A method for obtaining new ideas focusing on the
parameters
Brainstorming (CPS) - ✔️✔️- most widely used technique
- starts with problem statement that's neither too broad (diversifies ideas too much so
nothing specific emerges) nor too narrow (confines responses)
- all ideas no matter how illogical, are recorded
- No criticism
Federal Government - ✔️✔️1. Files of the Patent Office contain numerous new product
possibilities. Even if a patent is not feasible, they can suggest other more feasible
product ideas
2. New product ideas can evolve in response to government regulations.
Research and Development - ✔️✔️The largest source of new ideas is the
entrepreneur's own "research and development" efforts. This could be a formal
endeavor connected with current employment or an informal one in a basement or
garage.
Methods of Generating New Ideas - ✔️✔️- Focus groups
- Brainstorming
- Brainwriting
- Problem inventory analysis
Focus Groups - ✔️✔️A moderator leads a group of participants through an open, in-
depth interview. For a new product area, the moderator focuses the discussion of the
group in either a directive or a non directive manner.
Brainstorming - ✔️✔️- a group method for obtaining new ideas and solutions
- This method usually stimulates individuals to be creative by meeting with others and
participating in an organized group experience.
Rules of Brainstorming - ✔️✔️- No criticism allowed - no negative comments
- Freewheeling is encouraged - the wilder, the better
, - Quantity of ideas - greater number of ideas means a greater likelihood of a useful idea
- Combinations and improvements of ideas are encouraged & ideas of others can be
used to produce another new idea
Sources of Ideas - ✔️✔️consumers, existing products and services, distribution
channels, the federal government, and research and development
Consumers - ✔️✔️to determine what customers need now and in the future ask:
1. Who are your potential set customers?
2. What do they buy now?
3. Why do they buy?
4. What will make them buy from you?
Existing Products and Services - ✔️✔️this could uncover ways to improve or may
result in a new product/service that has more market appeal, sales, and profit potential.
Distribution Channels - ✔️✔️Members of the distribution channels are good sources for
new ideas reflecting their familiarity with the needs of the market. Not only do they
frequently have suggestions for completely new products, but they also help in
marketing the entrepreneur's newly developed products.
Brainwriting - ✔️✔️- Form of written brainstorming
- Silent
- Generates and writes 3 ideas during 5 minute period, passed down and the next
person writes down 3 new ideas, then passed until each person has written on the card
Reverse Brainstorming - ✔️✔️A group method for obtaining new ideas focusing on the
negative
- criticism is allowed
- care to maintain group's morale
- the process involves the identification of everything wrong with an idea, followed by a
discussion of ways to overcome these problems
Gordon Method - ✔️✔️Method for developing new ideas when the individuals are
unaware of the problem
Free Association - ✔️✔️developing a new idea through a chain of word associations
Forced Relationships - ✔️✔️Developing a new idea by looking at product combinations
5 Step Process of Forced Relationships - ✔️✔️1. Isolate the elements of the problem
2. Find the relationship between these elements
3. Record the relationships in an orderly form
4. Analyze the resulting relationships to find ideas or patterns