IDEATION JAMS

An ideation jam is a creative workshop format designed to develop and refine innovative ideas in a short time. This dynamic and interactive event encourages collaboration to find solutions to specific challenges. Participants bring diverse perspectives and benefit from an open, cooperative environment.

Programme:

Features of an Ideation Jam

1. Focused Topic:
o A clearly defined topic or a specific question is at the center of the event (e.g., "How can SMEs in tourism become more resilient to crises?").
o The topic serves as a guide for the entire workshop.
2. Time-Compressed Format:
o Ideation Jams typically last a few hours to a maximum of two days.
o The goal is to enable intensive and productive discussions within a short timeframe.
3. Interdisciplinary Participants:
o Participants often come from various industries, disciplines, or organizations.
o Diversity encourages creative solutions and innovative perspectives.
4. Creative Methods and Tools:
o Techniques like brainstorming, design thinking, rapid prototyping, or mind mappingare utilized.
o Moderated sessions help structure the flow of ideas and document outcomes.
5. Practical Outcomes:
o By the end of the Ideation Jam, tangible ideas, concepts, or approaches are developed, ready for further refinement.
o Initial prototypes, sketches, or presentations are often created to visualize the core of the ideas.
6. Cooperative Atmosphere:
o Participants work together in small teams or groups to develop ideas.
o The focus is on collaboration rather than competition.
7. Support from Experts:
o Specialists or mentors are often invited to provide input, answer questions, or give feedback on ideas.
Goals of an Ideation Jam
 Foster Innovation: Generate new approaches and ideas to address existing challenges.
 Strengthen Collaboration: Connect participants from diverse backgrounds and promote teamwork.
 Develop Prototypical Solutions: Quickly produce tangible outcomes that can serve as a foundation for further development.
 Inspire Creativity: Create an environment that fosters new ways of thinking.
Example: Ideation Jams in the INSPIRES Project
In the INSPIRES project, Ideation Jams could be used to address specific challenges in tourism, such as:
1. Resilience: How can SMEs become more resilient to crises?
2. Sustainability: What sustainable business practices can tourism companies implement?
3. Digitalization: Which digital tools could help SMEs work more efficiently and access new markets?

An Ideation Jam is therefore an effective method for developing creative solutions within a structured yet open framework.