How do you generate and test new project ideas? (2024)

The first step to generate new project ideas is to identify the problem you want to solve or the opportunity you want to seize. You need to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is, what their needs and pain points are, and how your project can address them. You can use various techniques to identify the problem, such as brainstorming, interviewing, surveying, observing, or researching your audience and the market. You should also define the scope, goals, and criteria of your project, and align them with your organization's strategy and vision.

Once you have identified the problem, you can start generating possible solutions that can solve it. You can use different methods to stimulate your creativity and generate diverse and novel ideas, such as mind mapping, SCAMPER, six thinking hats, or reverse brainstorming. You should aim to generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them at this stage. You can also involve other people in the ideation process, such as your team members, stakeholders, customers, or experts, to get different perspectives and insights.

After generating a large number of ideas, you need to evaluate and select the most promising ones that meet your criteria and goals. You can use various tools to evaluate and select ideas, such as SWOT analysis, feasibility analysis, impact-effort matrix, or scoring matrix. You should consider both the desirability, feasibility, and viability of each idea, and how well it aligns with your problem statement and your organization's values and mission. You should also get feedback from your target audience and stakeholders, and incorporate their opinions and suggestions.

The final step to test new project ideas is to prototype and test them with your target audience and stakeholders. You can use different types of prototypes, such as sketches, mockups, wireframes, or models, to represent your ideas in a tangible and visual way. You can also use different methods to test your prototypes, such as usability testing, A/B testing, or pilot testing, to measure their performance and effectiveness. You should collect and analyze data and feedback from your tests, and use them to validate or invalidate your assumptions and hypotheses, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your ideas.

Based on the results of your tests, you should iterate and improve your ideas until you reach a satisfactory level of quality and fit. You should use the feedback and data from your tests to make changes and adjustments to your prototypes, and to refine your problem statement and solution. You should also repeat the testing process with each iteration, and compare the results with your previous ones. You should aim to achieve a minimum viable product (MVP) that delivers the core value proposition of your project and meets the needs and expectations of your audience and stakeholders.

The final step to generate and test new project ideas is to present and pitch them to your organization and potential sponsors or investors. You should prepare a compelling and concise presentation that showcases the problem, the solution, the benefits, the evidence, and the plan of your project. You should also anticipate and address any questions or objections that might arise, and demonstrate your confidence and enthusiasm for your project. You should also follow up with your audience and stakeholders, and seek their support and approval for your project.

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?

Project Leadership

+ Follow

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.