We are working with researchers, engineers and technology consultants to develop new solutions and applications for customers.  We try to generate great ideas that the customers get interested in adopting or at least trying to use them.  There are a variety of techniques widely introduced for generating ideas, such as Brainstorming, SCAMPER, Reverse thinking etc.  Here are several tips for new participants in our invention program to heighten the likelihood of adoption of your ideas by customers, which you should consider before and after you generate ideas, rather than idea generation techniques themselves.

1. Choose a problem worthy of contemplation
What is a problem you try to solve?  Before you start generating ideas, please spend time to think about the problem. It is worth your time.  What change can you expect by solving the problem?  Does it likely to produce an innovative product or service?  Or does it likely to improve quality of an existing product or service?  Do you feel the strong need for it?  The next question may be most important for you.  Do you feel worthy enough to spend time to contemplate solutions for the problem?

2. Review current technology and solutions
If you are an expert in the field of technology and industry related to the problem, you don’t always have to do.  But it’s very helpful and efficient to know existing technologies and solutions to generate new ideas.  So I strongly encourage you to get a quick overview of the current state of technology and solutions, at least by conducting a Web search, before start generating ideas.  It’s worth trying, again.
Also, when you come up with an idea, it would be a good idea to conduct a search for it, just in case, before you firm up the idea.  Someone may have got the same idea.

3. Explain why the customer should adopt your idea
How do you explain it?  Is it because your idea improves its existing products or services?  How much improvement can the customer expect?  Is it persuasive?
Also, a good idea is not always adopted by the customer.  They may consider the cost of adopting your idea.  How many changes are required on their products or services?

We hope you keep in mind these viewpoints when you try to generate ideas. We look forward to hearing and discussing your ideas.