The Art of Idea Generation: Tools for Innovation that Sticks

Innovation doesn’t come from a single, perfect idea. It comes from volume. From exploration. From diving into the unknown and pulling out something unexpected. The innovators who succeed are the ones who aren’t afraid to generate too many ideas, because they know that value comes from abundance, not in scarcity.

But let’s also be honst: Successful innovators don’t just throw ideas around haphazardly. They have a process. A structured way of thinking that ensures creativity is aligned with strategy and that ideas are not only abundant but actionable. Here’s how they do it:

1. Brainstorming
Brainstorming isn’t just about getting loud and chaotic—it’s about creating a space where every possibility is on the table. It’s about generating a lot of ideas—wild ones, practical ones, impossible ones. The innovators who do this right? They give themselves permission to explore without limits, knowing that in the mess of possibilities, the seeds of brilliance are planted.

2. NABC (Need, Approach, Benefit, Competition)
Having a ton of ideas is great, but without a clear framework, it’s easy to get lost. The NABC framework is the roadmap. It forces you to ask the tough questions: What’s the need? What’s the approach? What’s the benefit? And how does this stack up against the competition? The innovators who use NABC don’t just have good ideas—they have viable ones that stand a chance in the real world.

3. 2x2 Matrix
Not every idea is worth pursuing. But how do you decide? The 2x2 Matrix is a simple yet powerful tool for prioritization. It helps you categorize ideas based on desirability, feasibility, and viability, and makes sure you’re spending your energy on the ones with the greatest potential. Innovators who use this matrix don’t waste time—they focus on what matters.

4. Dot Voting
Sometimes, the best ideas don’t rise to the top because one voice drowns out the others. Dot voting gives everyone a say. It’s a quick, democratic way to evaluate ideas and decide which ones deserve attention. Innovators who use dot voting make decisions faster, with more clarity, and with the confidence that they’re focusing on the most promising options.

5. Analogies and Benchmarking as Inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere—if you know where to look. By drawing analogies from other industries and benchmarking against the best, innovators find creative ways to solve user pain points. They don’t reinvent the wheel—they take what works and apply it in new, surprising ways. The best ideas often come from looking outside your own box.

6. Brain Writing/6-3-5 Method
Sometimes, the best ideas don’t come from a single spark but from a collaborative process of refinement. Brain writing takes the pressure off individual brilliance and creates a space where ideas can grow and evolve through rounds of iteration. Innovators who use this method don’t just have more ideas—they have better ones, refined and strengthened by the team.

These aren’t just tools—they’re catalysts for creativity. They create an environment where innovation thrives not because of some magical “aha” moment, but because of structured, strategic thinking that leads to ideas that are not only creative but aligned with reality.

When you combine brainstorming, clear frameworks like NABC, and tools like the 2x2 matrix or dot voting, you end up with more than just ideas—you end up with a better probability of chasing the right ideas. The ones that are strategically sound, creatively inspired, and ready to be refined into something amazing.

The takeaway? Stop waiting for the perfect idea to fall from the sky. Start generating them, refining them, and organizing them. The magic doesn’t happen when you get one great idea. The magic happens when you generate a lot of ideas and use the right tools to turn those ideas into innovations that change the game.

Because in the end, innovation is a numbers game. The more ideas you have, the more likely one of them will change everything.

Get a free copy of our white paper: “The 30 Most Important Innovation Tools.”

Reach out for more at innovation@growthinnovationstrategy.com.