Prompt

The goal of brainstorming is to create a generative list of ideas for potential projects that you can continue to explore. Our mission in this studio is to construct sci-fi and futuristic vehicles while learning about renewable energy systems. You will imagine the systems and infrastructure that will change the way vehicles move, how they are designed, who they will transport, and then design new modes of transportation based on your imaginations. 

Brainstorming Tips

1. Wild ideas lead to creativity: Do not filter anything out at this stage, even if it doesn't seem "practical" or "possible." Keep an open mind - ideas can become more specific and feasible as we develop them further. At this stage, anything is possible.
2. Aim for as many ideas as possible: Whatever comes to mind, get it down on paper or typed into a meaningful document - just make sure you're creating a record of what you're thinking. These thoughts can be words, visuals, ideas, images, materials, objects, places - at this stage it doesn't matter.
3. Inspiration can come from anywhere: Look around your home, your class, and your neighborhood for inspiration. Talk to your friends and family members about their related experiences. Explore any designs, artworks, sculptures, and installations that come to mind, and record the maker/designer/artist if possible. This helps build your knowledge of the world of art, design, and architecture and allows you to talk more knowledgeably about your work and research.

Part 1

Instructions

To get started with the brainstorming process, review the slide deck above, and think back to all of your discussions, precedent analysis, and field research thus far. 

Things to consider:

1. What worlds did you reimagine in the experience mapping exercise?
2. What problems would exist in this world and how could you solve it?
3. What energy solutions would exist?
4. What modes of transit could be harnessed to aid these problems?

Individually, come up with 10 (or more!) ideas for futuristic methods of transit based upon your world building environment. For each idea, list the problem this method of travel could solve. Think outside of the box. This is the time to engage in wild ideas.

Part II 

The initial list from Part 1 is going to seed the rest of your brainstorming process and facilitate the idea generation process. Your task is to then narrow your list down to 5 project ideas.  Each idea should be framed as a clear 1-2 sentence statement, and each idea should be accompanied by a simple sketch demonstrating your idea. 

Deliverable

In the "Responses" tab (above) create a post that includes your 5 ideas accompanied by a 1-2 sentence explanatory statement and a sketch that helps to communicate EACH idea. (For example each idea should have a 1-2 sentence explanation and a simple sketch) 

Part 3: Collective Brainstorming 

In this portion of the Brainstorming process, you will all share your 5 project ideas and the concepts behind them. 

Your teacher will facilitate a group discussion around ideas using the whiteboard. They will help to categorize ideas in clusters based on similarity. At this stage of the design process, brainstorming project ideas are shared amongst everyone - no matter who shared the idea initially. 

At the end of the Collective Brainstorming exercise, you will share which three ideas you would be most excited to possibly pursue. Your teachers will form teams of two after this step. Moving forward each team will focus on one of the ideas.