Ideation is not just for dreaming up the next big thing; it’s an essential method for solving everyday UX challenges. This class teaches techniques for using research and other sources of inspiration to solve difficult design problems.

Who Should Attend

  • UX designers and researchers looking to expand their toolkit of ideation techniques
  • Workshop facilitators looking for examples of how to facilitate ideation sessions
  • Leaders hoping to incorporate ideation into their team processes

What You’ll Learn

Overcome common obstacles to effective ideation

  • Building comfort in ideation sessions
  • Avoid the desire to shut down ideas prematurely
  • Create space for ideation within the organization
  • Invite buy-in and preliminary participation from stakeholders

Increase the quality and quantity of ideas you generate

  • Generate many ideas in response to any problem
  • Move on from initial ideas to explore deeper insights
  • Accept and build on ideas contributed by others
  • Documenting ideas 
  • Using research artifacts in ideation

Select appropriate ideation techniques for your needs

  • Judge the amount of time required for different ideation activities
  • Order activities logically and adapt them to current needs
  • Leverage research findings and artifacts (such as personas)

Keep team members and stakeholders engaged during ideation

  • Invite the right people to join ideation sessions
  • Prepare the necessary materials for in-person and remote workshops
  • Prepare shared digital spaces and gather physical materials for ideation
  • Demonstrate the necessity of ideation for productivity and business value
  • Manage challenging participants

Prioritize the ideas that come out of ideation sessions

  • Combine similar ideas and prioritize them for implementation
  • Identify the most valuable ideas from ideation sessions that deserve future action

Taught by an Industry Expert

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Why Live Online Courses

What People Are Saying

  • As a workshops facilitator and UX Specialist, this class provides a tool box that I can pick and choose what's best for the situation. The instructor was so energized that made me feel like time went by very quickly.

    Sumonthip
    Boeing

  • A great overview of specific ideation techniques to use across a variety of products and industries. Especially helpful for those looking to build an ideation toolset for their organization.

    Cheryl

  • This was a fantastic course. I learned many new ideation techniques with hands on experience applying them. looking forward to using these techniques at my organization.

    Jolie
    Duke University

  • Loved it. Great balance of lecture, activities and group discussion. Lots of practices that I feel like I an bring back to my group.

    Kristy
    MITRE

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I get the link to the Zoom meeting for the course?

60 minutes before your course begins, your link will be available when you log into your NN/G profile.

Can I watch a recording of the course?

Live Online courses are live events hosted on Zoom that extend throughout the day and include many periods of interactive exercises. The learning experience cannot be replicated by simply watching recordings after the event. We will not be making course recordings, and making your own recordings is not permitted.

Will I be able to network and get to know other participants?

You'll join a Slack community for both course-related discussion and networking with fellow participants. You'll also be able to use the Slack workspace before, during, and after the event to maintain your connections. You'll be invited to join the Slack community the week before the event starts.

What equipment will I need to participate in NN/G Live Online courses?

You'll be streaming video and audio to your computer, and also speaking with other participants. Make sure you have:

  • A laptop or desktop (using a tablet is not recommended)
  • A stable high-speed internet connection
  • Speakers or headphones
  • A microphone
  • A webcam
Do I really need a microphone and webcam?

While it's possible to attend our Live Online courses without your own webcam or microphone, you will not be able to fully participate in learning activities. Many of our courses use hands-on practice as the primary way of learning design and research techniques. You'll learn more during these activities if you can fully participate, and your collaboration partners can see and hear you. We also recommend using headphones.

Do I have to download any software?

All courses use Zoom and Hightail, a file-sharing service. Some courses require the use of Google Drive apps or Miro. All tools are free to use and do not require you to create an account, but you should ensure your device permissions allow you to access these tools.

  • Zoom is a video conferencing service. Our meetings follow security best practices, including passwords and waiting rooms. We recommend installing the Zoom app, which is free. If you are not able to install the Zoom software, you can also join through Chrome web browser. Test your access to Zoom.
  • Hightail will be used to share downloadable course materials (such as PDF copies of presentation slides). Test your access to Hightail. (If your network blocks you from access Hightail, during the event our conference team will be able to assist you with alternative ways to receive your course materials.
  • Google Drive apps are used for collaborative learning activities. If you are not able to use Google Docs or Sheets, you will be able to download copies of the activity materials, but may not be able to fully participate in group work. Test your access to Google Docs.
  • Miro is an online whiteboarding tool and is used for collaborative learning activities in some courses. You can download the Miro app or open a Miro link in your browser.
Will my internet connection be fast enough?

You will need a stable internet connection with a minimum of 3 Mbps (up and down) in order o participate in 
NN/g virtual courses. Ideally, a faster connection speed of 25 Mbps download and 5Mbps upload is recommended to ensure HD video and audio quality. If you are using a WIFI network, disconnect all other devices from that network to improve the streaming quality. Check your internet connection speed.

Can I join from my phone or tablet?

We do not recommend attending our classes from a small-screen device. Although you will be able to connect to the meeting, it will be difficult to see the detailed examples shared during class. It will also be extremely difficult to participate in collaborative exercises which require typing and interactive documents.