How to take an idea to the next level

Thinking of new ideas is really hard, and there nothing worse than putting in the time and effort to develop your idea, only to have it immediately dismissed.

Yesterday I saw an idea on IdeaList that was instantly slammed down by the first commentator.  Just two words. "...try again."

Unsurprisingly, this idea hasn't fared well after that.  People see the first negative comment and don't want to get behind a "losing idea".

The problem is, one quick gut reaction is usually the only evaluation most ideas get.  A bad first impression, and that idea is headed straight for the circular file.  "No harm, right? The idea obviously didn't have potential."

Let's take a look.   Here is the original idea:

A ice cream package in a ball form.

After eating their ice-cream, children are able to close the top of package, fasten it, and go to play soccer, handball, and etc. It’s a interactive package that encourages children to play.

(Grammar cleaned up slightly for readability.)

Whether you like this idea or not, make yourself think about what is good about it.

Here are 5 good things about it to get you started:

1. Less waste.  This is a reusable container.  Can also be used to hold snack or cereal for kids, or toys, and it's probably waterproof.
2. Kids like to play with prizes that come with their food.  They'll probably like it a lot more than adults think!
   
3. Saves space packing for the beach.  Snack, and then tons of potential as a toy.  Moving water, building with sand, and I bet it floats.
4. This could be used to entertain multiple children at the same time.  Since it's soccer-ball-sized, it must contain a lot of ice cream.
5. Kids convince their parents to buy fun-looking snacks in the grocery store.  Probably be a great seller when placed at the proper eye level!
6. (Your Idea) _________________________

Starting to see some potential now?  Let's continue by looking at a concept behind this idea:

The ice cream package is a "treat that encourages kids to be active."

Hmmm... that's interesting.  Parents will like that.  Where else can we go from there?  An idea session is not complete without using the initial concept as a jumping off point for other products.

So, here's one derivative idea that comes from reversing "eat ice cream, play with the ball."

What if the ice cream ball were to create ice cream when the kids were kicking it?  It's possible... campers used to make balls of newspaper filled with ice chips that would turn the ingredients into ice cream while they threw it around. 

This could be a modern, cleaner alternative for parents who want their kids to exercise, or want to have a fun game when they have kids over, or don't want their kids to think that ice cream is easily available.

It just needs two layers (one for the ice and one for the ice cream).  Plus, there's a lot of potential to sell prepackaged (e.g. just add milk) ice cream flavors.

See how an idea can go from a "...try again" to a concept that deserves a closer look?

Can anyone give more potential uses or additional ideas for this concept?

Comments

[Fred Ponzio]

Thank you very much. You have the power of open vision, a constructive mind. "Try again" is so superficial, arrogant and small point a view. Constructive critics are very very important and necessary to make our ideas grow. But just say "try again" is a powerful poison.

You see all the points of this idea!
Thank You Again,

Fred (criabrinde-creator of this idea)

[Cory Garrison]

Katie,

In the world of improvisation there is really only one rule that cannot be broken. It's the rule of agreement. There are NO bad ideas! The response to everything is, "Yes, and..." "NO" kills creativity...it kills ideas....it kills relationships...it kills really great scenes!

Q: Ice cream packages in a ball form?
A: NO.

or

Q: Ice cream packages in a ball form?
A: Yes, and...inside the lid let's print instructions for an activity that encourages exercise!

Consider the book "Truth in Comedy" by Charna Halpern in your list of books for creativity!

I love your blog!

Cory

[idealist]

thanks for your words,
it's nice to see people that see through the first impression.

[fox]

Most excellent thoughts on 'idea-testing'. Thanks for bringing this! Aloha from Switzerland.

Hi Fox, do the Swiss say Aloha? ;-) Thanks for commenting and I'm looking forward to being able to read your website when my German improves!

[Don]

I would like to know more about those who would dismiss an idea so easily.

"that was instantly slammed down by the first commentator. Just two words. "...try again."

What are this person's Idea's?

Great post

[Phil Le]

A great article! You're so right about the superficialness in the "try again" argument. And when will someone develop this icecreamball ;D

Cheers from Sweden

[Mark McGuinness]

Avoiding a kneejerk dismissal is really important for creativity per se, as well as the individual idea/project under discussion.

The person who wrote 'try again' may end up discouraging the person who posted the idea, as well as squashing that particular one flat.

I'd like to think I'm more tactful than the 'try again' commenter, but if I'm honest there are times I have to be careful not to dismiss ideas too quickly. E.g. if I'm busy and an enthusiastic friend comes up to me with an idea for something they think I should do. Well, that would be my loss. But in a team situation it's everyone's loss, so very important to show open-mindedness when ideas are put forward.