What are the sources of ideas in concept generation for a design? the sources of ideas in concept generation for a design

The
brainstorming stage of concept generation allows all inputs; the most fruitful have proven to be
consumer comments and serendipityrandom but alert pairings and combinings of previously existing
ideas.  An example would be the Olympic torch design for the Canadian Winter 200 Olympics.  By
looking at the design of skis and snowboards, and by observing the mountain terrain, then
incorporating new nanotechnologies, and factoring in the unique weather conditions of Canada
(cold and wind), the designers built a unique torch.  At the front end of product design is
usually a check-off list of required features; these features can range from weight limitations
(one of the torchs requirements was that it be light), to uniqueness (immediate visual
recognition), to cost, to relation to other products already in the line.  The designer must, on
the other hand, resist as many restrictions as possible, avoiding the trap of previous
acceptance and really giving conception free rein, before restrictions of practicality,
normalcy, safe-ness, etc. intrude on the design process.  In business there are many
gatekeepers before a design goes from idea to realization: bean-counters, unimaginative
superior managers, engineers afraid of innovation, conservative marketers, etc. etc., all of
whom will take a less creative view than the designers.  One of the designers most valuable
qualities is the ability to take inspiration from all sources at the inception stage, including
his own imagination, and then find a design that answers all the consumers and business
needs.