Observe the world around you
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.’’
—Albert Einstein, developer of the theory of relativity
Observing your environment using the AEIOU Framework is a powerful tool for generating ideas.
Using the AEIOU framework helps you take note of:
- Activities: What are people doing?
- Environment: How are people using the environment? What’s the role of the environment?
- Interactions: Do you see any routines? Do you observe special interactions between people? Between people and objects?
- Objects: What’s there and being used or not used? Describe engagement with objects
- Users: Who are the users? What are their roles? Look for extreme users.
To put this principle into practice, visit your favorite coffee shop and find a nice place to sit that allows a good view of the room. Use the AEIOU framework to take note of the activities of people around you – the waiters, the customers, etc. How are people using the space and objects? Look for patterns or interesting things that stand out. Analyze your observations and develop 3 unique insights on how to improve the coffee shop that might warrant further exploration for improvement.
Using observational techniques helps you develop logical insights on how you can improve the world around you.