Ideation is the first step towards tinkering . It is the step where you will start thinking about a new idea or a new solution to an existing or new problem. The whole idea is to start thinking. The goal is to come up with a list of ideas that can be narrowed down to the best or most practical ones so you can come up with the best solutions.

Here are some helpful techniques to generate ideas....

• Brainstorming

• Sketching

• Discussion

• Visualizing

• Role Playing

• Looking at Pictures

• Web Surfing (using safe search engines)

• Notetaking

After you have narrowed down your ideas, start thinking about the best way to put your ideas into action.

To get us in the tinkering frame of mind, try the tinkering activity below.