How do you leverage technology or tools to support CPS and collaboration?

1 Define the problem

Before you start brainstorming, you need to have a clear and shared understanding of the problem you are trying to solve. Technology can help you gather relevant information, data, and feedback from various sources and stakeholders. For example, you can use online surveys, interviews, or analytics tools to identify the needs, goals, and pain points of your target audience. You can also use collaborative platforms, such as Google Docs or Miro, to create a problem statement that summarizes the main challenge and criteria for success.

2 Generate ideas

Once you have defined the problem, you can use technology or tools to generate as many ideas as possible. Technology can help you overcome cognitive biases, stimulate creativity, and diversify your sources of inspiration. For example, you can use online brainstorming tools, such as MindMeister or Stormboard, to create and organize your ideas visually. You can also use online databases, such as TED or Coursera, to access new knowledge and insights from experts and learners. You can also use online games, such as Idea Generator or Breakthrough Thinking, to challenge yourself and have fun.

3 Evaluate and select ideas

After you have generated a lot of ideas, you need to evaluate and select the most promising ones. Technology can help you apply criteria, test assumptions, and gather feedback. For example, you can use online voting tools, such as Poll Everywhere or Mentimeter, to rank and prioritize your ideas based on popularity or relevance. You can also use online prototyping tools, such as Figma or InVision, to create and share mockups or demos of your ideas. You can also use online feedback tools, such as UserTesting or SurveyMonkey, to collect and analyze user reactions and suggestions.

4 Implement and refine ideas

Finally, you need to implement and refine your selected ideas. Technology can help you plan, execute, and monitor your actions and results. For example, you can use online project management tools, such as Asana or Trello, to assign tasks, track progress, and communicate with your team. You can also use online testing tools, such as Google Optimize or Optimizely, to run experiments and measure the impact of your ideas. You can also use online learning tools, such as Udemy or Skillshare, to acquire new skills and knowledge that can help you improve your ideas.

Technology or tools can be powerful allies for CPS and collaboration. However, they are not substitutes for human creativity, judgment, and empathy. You still need to use your own mind, heart, and hands to solve problems creatively and collaboratively.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?