What is discouraged during the narrowing phase of idea generation?

During the narrowing phase of idea generation, it is essential to ensure that the evaluation process is thoughtful and considers a wide range of suggestions before making final decisions. Voting, particularly if done too early, can inadvertently limit the exploration of ideas and stifle creativity. The purpose of the narrowing phase is to critically assess the many diverse ideas that have been generated, allowing for rigorous discussion and analysis. This ensures that the best ideas are selected based on merit rather than popularity or majority opinion, which can often overlook innovative or less conventional concepts.

Engaging in more robust discussions and evaluations allows for a deeper understanding of each idea’s potential, fostering an environment where innovative approaches can emerge. Thus, while some phases of the design thinking process might benefit from voting to gauge interest or prioritize ideas, during the narrowing phase, the focus should instead be on comprehensive evaluation and refinement of concepts.