Activate your creativity: Idea generation guide for physical products

by Ridzert Ingenegeren

Activate Your Creativity is a guide for industrial designers and entrepreneurs who want to create physical products. The book focuses on the early stage of product development and demonstrates that there are well-defined ways for getting inspired. It is filled with tips and tricks for creativity and inspiration, elimination of creative blocks, and methods for planning and speeding up the idea generation process.

ISBN (or ASIN): Not available

109 pages, ebook (PDF and epub)

Published October 23, 2022

About the author

Ridzert Ingenegeren is an award-winning industrial designer who started his professional career in 2012 in Berlin, Germany. He is originally from the Netherlands and obtained his master’s degree in industrial design at the Delft University of Technology. Over the years, he has helped clients around the world designing a wide range of products which are used by thousands of happy customers.

Reviews

[Philos Delights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, Concise, Very Helpful Guide. Highly Recommended!

For all creators and designers, this book is highly recommended. It offers all the basics to get anyone started or continue with their design journey and creative passions. The author, Ridzert, encourages the reader to go ahead with designing without making inspiration a prerequisite. Instead, he encourages actively looking for it from experiences or from the surroundings. I have personally heard from others that they "lack imagination". Reading this hard-to-put-down guide, which is written in an easy-to-digest text and format, one can see the possibility of getting ahead with a design idea, or restart-resume if the designer is stuck. Among the design basics and simple steps for implementation that the author offers, one can pick out the most valuable guidelines and aspects of designing. I like all the chapters and even upon closing the book, I can remember the ones that stick out for me, like the ones that I need in my daily creative work. These are: the three levels of perception, the heuristics set, getting out of fixation, tricks for different design levels, getting fast results through simplification, like going two-dimensional for a start. The lessons are valuable here as the author stresses "imperfect action" as a better step than "perfect inaction". This is fairly true among creators, when so much time is aimlessly spent on something that has little to no potential, which is a waste and can be disappointing, and then ending up with little or no time on the ideas that hold more promise. I consider it a good discipline when the author advises the allocation of a mere five minutes on first ideas and follow through with choosing the ones to develop. There are also valuable lessons on structure and strategies, for which the author aims for more and the best outputs. I believe that these are very important lessons because without these guidelines, a designer can be stuck at one idea, losing the energy, time and talent that could have been spent for other ideas. Here, the author defines the diversification factors, shows how to organize the morphology of ideas and offers a three-step solution. Furthermore, Ridzert has valuable advice regarding focus and a scientifically-supported approach for every designing/creativity process, one of which is the "incubation" phase. As a designer, this book helped a lot in refreshing and renewing basic design principles, which when practiced for self-discipline, are truly effective for success in output and productivity. I highly recommend this book, not just for creators and for serious projects, but for anybody, who finds good and positive energy in designing what surrounds them daily.

[D.G. Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately, a superb table of contents presents you with an index to offer a general feel of topics of most interest to activate your creativity. Let a knowledgeable author explain and demonstrate why creativity is innate in all of us as a survival tool. After reading the text, you won’t experience feeling even a twinge of failure after you’re shown how to loosen the creativity inside you. You can learn a lot from Ridzert Ingenegeren’s history as an industrial designer and in-depth creative knowledge of steps and methods to create new ideas, igniting your creative process by thinking as he does.

The easy-to-comprehend text teaches you how to get inspired, use your imagination and experiences, and simplify for quicker results. Appealing colors, illustrations, photos, and simple helpful charts combine to make your reading experience enjoyable beyond the text. One of the most helpful bits of advice is that controlling your focus remains paramount to success to generate ideas for physical products. Another beneficial tool is the presentation of countless questions throughout the text to ask yourself, which helps implement the development process. Insight about stimulating creative activities might involve pursuits you never considered, including what you ought to do when taking a break to make conscious use of the incubation effect.

211 words

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to creativity, most people tend to think of art, books, music, and film as the go-to fields for people to work in so that they may experience and share that creative passion they have in life. Yet creativity is much more versatile than that, and in this book, author Ridzert Ingenegeren does a marvelous job of bringing knowledge and passion back into creativity in the industrial design field. The ability to bring physical products to life, whether it be physically yourself through craftable materials or using state-of-the-art technology to design and build the products you create digitally, is a skill that is sought after the world over, and finding the means of reigniting that passion for your craft is crucial to businesses and individuals alike.


The author does a marvelous job of crafting this book and guide for a multitude of different readers, from enthusiasts and those working in industrial design themselves, to students in this area of expertise and those who work as entrepreneurs and want to be able to succeed in creating their own products. The author also does a wonderful job of having a structured, concise approach to the topic, taking the reader through each step of the process carefully and in an understandable way, from gaining the inspiration needed for a new project to cutting down on production time and finding the best strategies to implement these new ideas. This is a must-read book for anyone with an interest in industrial design or who is in need of some inspiration to get back into the game.

[Sebastian Killion · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Activate Your Creativity" by Ridzert Ingenegeren is a concise and practical guide for anyone looking to enhance their creative skills. Ridzert provides valuable insights into the creative process, covering topics such as generating ideas, overcoming creative blocks, and developing a creative mindset.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on action. There are numerous exercises and activities throughout the book to help readers apply the concepts discussed and develop their creative abilities. These exercises range from some simple brainstorming techniques to more complex problem-solving strategies, but they all felt applicable and engaging.

While talking about being engaging, the book is well-structured and easy to follow. Ridzert uses clear and concise language, making it accessible to readers of all levels. There is also a lot of color splashed across the pages in the form of colorful graphics and illustrations that add to the overall reading experience.

Overall, "Activate Your Creativity" is a practical and engaging guide for anyone looking to improve their creative skills. It's an excellent resource for both beginners and more experienced creatives looking to refresh their approach to the creative process.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Activate Your Creativity by Ridzert Ingenegeren is such a unique book, brimming with ideas, great illustrations, and more that will get you on the path to building your creative spirit. We are truly all born with a sense of creativity, often losing that as we grow older. This book will inspire you again to activate the creativity inside you. I love how this book really breaks down the creative process for designing physical objects. Perhaps you are designing a new vase and need inspiration. This book explains just how you can get that inspiration from your surroundings, and build upon that. The concept of the SCAMPER heuristics set is so fascinating and works so well. SCAMPER is an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Magnify/Modify, Put to Other uses, Eliminate, Rearrange/Reverse. Using this methodology will aid you in your creative process as you work on your design. A great book filled with examples and a lot of detail, I highly recommend this resource.

[Molly Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Activate Your Creativity is a handy guide to using everyday items to trigger your inspiration, and by using this method you will find unique ways to develop outstanding designs.
Well-structured and cleverly explained using beautifully created illustrations this guide talks you through the process of developing ideas from scratch.
No more restless nights seeking inspiration, Ingenegeren will show you how to simplify the process of creating unique and exciting design ideas from scratch.
Ingenegeren uses a clever acronym to explain the methodology – SCAMPER – which he then breaks down and explains each heading individually to ensure that even beginners can follow it.
One of the main takeaways, apart from the practical implementation, is that this guide is written in language that everyone reading it can understand and follow. For anyone either already involved in the field of design or those entering it, this is a must-read.

[Alyssa Cissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is unbelievable. And put an outstanding twist on learning different ways to be creative, as well as being so in depth with the writing and keeping the readers engaged. This book gives you a hand at being and staying detail oriented while creating eye popping images. The author explores different ways to make you look farther than the eye, and in doing that it allows you to engage in different ways of formatting or designing the things you are working on. The examples and concepts the author puts into your mind allows you to open the horizons to attacking different angles in building up the creativity in each project you explore. This is a well thought out book and it is such a refreshing time to be able to be yourself but also build up your knowledge to be even more creative. I will always go back to this read and reread chapters to continue to practice and become an expert to help others!!

[Taylor Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an insightful guide to unlocking your creativity. The book is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the creative process: inspiration, simplification, structure, strategy, and planning. The author provides practical advice, exercises, and examples to help readers apply these concepts to their own creative projects.

One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on the creativity involved in the design of physical products. There are step by step examples that the reader can follow that will help unlock and activate their creativity.

Overall, "Activate Your Creativity" is a useful resource for anyone looking to tap into their creative potential. The author's approach is practical, accessible, and grounded in real-world examples, making it a great choice for creatives of all levels.

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was fun to read and I loved how the author took what he loved doing and turning it into a book, to making this book so authors can be just as creative and find ways to act on that creativity and how steps were added to work on finding out how to accomplish that. I found it fun how he added pictures and showed that you can find inspiration anywhere in your life, from small to big objects. All in all, I did enjoy this book, it’s a fun and easy book to read as well as enjoying the steps which are east and quick to understand! If you are looking to be more creative and want to know how, I’d recommend this book. The author explained the steps and made the explanations and the techniques easy to follow along with, this is a great book for anyone who wants a fun and easy read about how to be more creative and ways to do it.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triggering one’s creativity has never been easy, especially in this day and age when it seems everything has been invented already. But Activate Your Creativity is such an inspirational book that gives your mind that tiny push it needs to come up with that something you know need but never thought it could exist. While there are limitations to physical products, the way this books presents and incites creativity makes you feel like anything is possible. The even more wonderful thing is that not only gets you going in the right mindset, but it also advices on how to focus your time and energy strategically in order for the product your worked so hard to create succeeds. Overall, I really liked the direct approach and structure of this book, and would truly recommend it if you want to start to design your ideas from scratch.

[Danielle “Dana” N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! Very quick read which is perfect for those always on the go. It’s engaging and a practical guide for those seeking to unleash their creative potential. The author skillfully combines scientific research and personal anecdotes, providing us readers with actionable steps to foster creative thinking. The relatable writing style and innovative exercises make the book a valuable resource for anyone wanting to develop their creative abilities. I would have appreciated more in-depth discussions on some topics; however, it’s understandable considering the book is under 200 pages. Overall, "Activate Your Creativity" is a concise and enjoyable read that effectively encouraged me to activate my inner creative genius.

[Veronica Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridzert Ingenegeren's book, Activate Your Creativity: Idea Generation Guide For Physical Products, is one of books that really spoke to me since I am a creative professional myself. This is a great guide for anyone who is in the creative industry. I love how this book explains what the reader can do to give their creativity a books. Things such as getting some exercise, going for a walk, doing a crossword puzzle, etc. Ingenegeren's book is something that anyone can use in their own everyday life. A great gift suggestion who that someone who happens to be be a creative. I hope this book helps the reader as much as it helps me.

[Sneha R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative and wonderful work by Ridzert Ingenegeren. The book is divided into five chapters discussing and educating the readers about unleashing their creativity in the workplace through the forging of inspirational ideas, simplifying and structuring them and then proceeding to strategise and plan for the best results. The author emphasises on the importance of the transposition of individual distinctive experience while designing a product. The illustrations and usage of charts make the entire work visually appealing while aiding the retention of information. A must-have for individuals who want to make a distinctive difference through the product of their creative minds.

[Raman S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridzert Ingenegeren’s “Activate Your Creativity: Idea Generation Guide for Physical Products” guides the readers through the transformation of ideas into physical products. The book is filled with illustrations and charts that help the readers visualise the process of product creation. Especially wonderful is the idea of the vase through the shape of banana. The first chapter is useful in helping with the process of the forging of inspiration; something which isn’t easily understandable. In all, the five chapters offer an in-depth information regarding the process of innovative product creation which makes the book a masterpiece.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release the Creative Power in You

Anybody looking to unleash their creative potential and realise their ideas will find "Activate Your Creativity" a superb book. This book's practical advice and exercises helped me get in touch with my creativity, and I found it to be really informative and motivating.

The book is loaded with vibrant images that bring the exercises to life, and the author's writing is fascinating and straightforward to follow. I particularly like the author's use of personal anecdotes and observations throughout the book.
That is highly recommended!

[Valentina Lamonaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, my brain was stimulated to create new designs all the way through. I found myself putting the book aside and creating an imaginary vase out of my nail polish. This book provides theory and tangible examples. Easy to read and easy to get inspiration from. Inside the book, the author also adds a few simple but effective exercises, I'd highly suggest you complete them. They are fun.  It reminds you to take breaks at your own discretion to find a solution, and that is a value I share. Loved this book!

[Howard Weidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people, myself included, often view creativity as an inborn trait; i.e., either you have it or you don’t. But in the book, Activate Your Creativity, by Ridzert Ingenegeren says that you can find specific ways to enhance and develop your creativity. No, you do not have to wait for a flash of inspiration to come. There are many things you can do right now that will drastically improve your own unique ability to dream up and conceive bold, new ideas! I highly recommend this book. Give it a try and who knows, you may come up with some great new ideas!

[Nicole Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headline: Anyone can design as long as they use their creativity inside
Review:
I wasn't sure what to expect when reading this book about design. What I did get was an easy way to inspire yourself to create new designs by using what is in front of you and making it become whatever new product design you want. Improvements abound with multiple uses and applications with variations on the same design. And he makes it seem effortless.
I liked this book for the simplicity of the explanations for a subject. There is math involved.
One for everyone's bookshelves.

[Grace Bazile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Activate your creativity A Guide to Generating Physical Product Ideas Ridzert Ingenegeren has been an Industrial Designer for 11 years. This book helps you generate ideas, remove creative blocks, and plan when creating physical products. The Author uses several design examples to illustrate his point. This is a great resource for design students or entrepreneurs who need to be more creative. Activate your creativity also includes References for further reading.

[Tara Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesomely inspiring call to action!

The creative person doesn’t just sit around waiting for that magical moment when inspiration comes to them. That happens some of the time. Creativity is mostly a frame of mind where you’re always looking at something to make it better, finding solutions or just thinking about making life easier. This book is a great resource for creative focusing strategies and the like. Wonderful for developing ideas. I totally recommend this guide.

[Uena Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Activate your creativity by Ridzert Ingenegeren is a very interesting guide for designers. The author shows us that creativity does not need to be something we have to wait to happen. sometimes all we need is to look around us. The author brings plans that help how to get started and other views on how to start a project, including things to avoid. The writing is very direct and specific and without a doubt a lot of help for future projects. A must-read.

[Caitlyn carrubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring piece. I have always had a knack for creativity but somehow i have forgotten where my methods come from. This was so inspiring to me and opened my mind to new ways to find creativity. I enjoyed the example with the lunchbox a lot. Sometimes it is as simple as looking at your surroundings and just trying to really look at things in a way you never have. Great read and i definitely enjoyed it!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a wacky but needed approach to creating ideas, and it's not just one particular way either. A lot of advice is niche given and meant to help an aspect that the person feels comfortable assisting with. But Ridzert is trying to help get you out of that niche and into those grey areas to explore. After reading this, it makes me want to go try out some designs of my own with new eyes.

[May Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone looking to tap into their creative potential. It is well-written, engaging, and packed with practical advice and exercises that are sure to inspire readers to take action. Whether you are an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to explore your creative side, this book is a must-read.

[Sachi Ito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for those of us who don’t always feel we are creative. Creativity can be developed by using the processes in this book. I found it very helpful. For example, you can seek out inspiration instead of waiting for it to find you. Some things that you can look out for are products that you have had issues with or combining features from different products. You always want to be mindful that you are solving the right problem in the right way. I will keep this book handy moving forward to help me activate my creativity more often.

[hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me the hardest part of creating is always the initial spark, but with this book, I was able to use the given prompts and scenarios to aid my process and come up with an idea for a creative project. Ingenegeren continued to help the process by giving questions that help you expand your idea and find the areas that could use improvement. He even gives a personal example using the cover of the very book you’re reading!

I found it both helpful and interesting to read :)