Idea Generation
What this domain tests
The exam tests where business ideas come from, how to generate many ideas, and how to separate idea generation from evaluation.
Core rules
- Sources include personal observation, hobbies, skills, complaints, unmet needs, local resources, government priorities and industry reports.
- Brainstorming rules: defer judgement, encourage wild ideas, build on others, aim for quantity and record all ideas.
- Techniques include mind mapping, SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse), focus groups, surveys and observation.
- Idea generation is divergent; screening is convergent. Do not reject an idea during generation.
Worked example
Hostellers complain that laundry takes two days and costs ₹80 per load. A student lists ideas: a shared washing machine, a pickup service, a weekly subscription, detergent vending and a tie-up with a nearby laundry. The group then scores them on demand, cost and feasibility. Reasoning: the complaint is the source; the list is generation; scoring is later evaluation.
Traps
Do not confuse a business idea with a verified opportunity. Do not criticise ideas during brainstorming. Do not assume a hobby automatically becomes a viable business. Do not skip recording ideas, because the best ones are often combinations.