In a systems approach to innovation, we recognize problems are complex and there is no silver bullet or one best solution. In the process of generating and evaluating ideas, it is important to be pervasive and diverse. Include the most radical and transformational ideas as well as the most simple and incremental. Select ideas with the highest potential to influence the system and generate excitement among systems actors.

It is important to spend more time generating ideas than narrowing them down. Ideas that clearly have no chance of being actioned should be taken off the table, although they may reappear in later iterations of the Compass.

Generating novel and useful ideas is best achieved with a team composed of people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Ready to generate and select ideas? Click below to open the worksheet and checklist for this space of the Compass.