Big Ideas from a session are the common themes that emerge at the end of a design session, and the ideas from which further design directions are chosen. While Big Ideas sound simple, how they emerge and are recorded, analyzed, and synthesized can be one of the most nuanced pieces of co-design.
- The Big Ideas are recorded during the reporting of small design groups. Toward the end of the session, when groups are presenting their ideas, one co-designer should stand at the front of the group and on a vertical surface where everyone can see, make note of interesting, unique, emphasized, or common ideas to come out of the groups.
- As different groups present their ideas, the person writing the Big Ideas on the board may start to notice that there are some ideas common to multiple groups, or similar ideas arising from groups. These can be grouped together. Sometimes these may be color-coded, or a quick noting system could be used, for example, all ideas about navigation get a small heart next to them, while ideas about how to work with others get an X next to them.
- Once all groups have presented their ideas, the team member who wrote down the Big Ideas should reflect back to the whole team what they noticed and took down. They can also note frequency or trends they saw. All co-designers should be given the opportunity to add other things that they notice, or if a particularly salient part of their design was missed.
- The Big Ideas are typically photographed and transcribed for later analysis. They can be helpful for determining next steps, but may also be relevant at later parts of the design process, so it is good to have a record of all of them to return to later in the process if it is relevant.
- There is no right or wrong answer as to what Big Ideas will get pursued in the remainder of the design process. Ideas may be chosen for a variety of reasons, including overall goals of the project, time or financial constraints, a desire to be as innovative as possible, and myriad other possibilities. In the moment, the most important thing is to take down Big Ideas as completely and clearly as possible. They can then be used immediately or in the future to guide design direction.
