IDEA Framework: A Structured Approach for Creative Problem-Solving and Innovation

A systematic approach to AI prompting for generating creative solutions, product ideas, and innovation by identifying problems, defining context, exploring options, and planning actions

Last updated: April 28, 2025
Category: Expert PromptingComplexity: Intermediate
IF

Framework Structure

The key components of the IDEA Framework framework

Identify
Clearly state the problem, challenge, or opportunity you're addressing
Define
Provide relevant background, users, goals, industry context, and constraints
Explore
Request diverse, creative solutions and divergent thinking
Act
Select, prioritize, and develop implementation strategies for the best ideas

Core Example Prompt

A practical template following the IDEA Framework structure

plaintextExample Prompt
Identify a need for innovative product launch ideas for our new eco-friendly clothing line. Define that we're a mid-sized fashion brand focused on sustainable practices with a predominantly Gen Z and Millennial audience. Explore at least 5 creative launch concepts spanning events, social media, partnerships, and experiential marketing. Act by selecting the 2 most promising ideas and developing detailed implementation plans.

Usage Tips

Best practices for applying the IDEA Framework framework

  • ✓Frame the problem as an opportunity in the Identify section
  • ✓Include both constraints and aspirations in the Define section
  • ✓Request specific types of creative solutions in the Explore component
  • ✓Ask for evaluation criteria when selecting options in the Act section
  • ✓Consider requesting multiple approaches with varying levels of risk/innovation

Detailed Breakdown

In-depth explanation of the framework components

I.D.E.A. Framework

The I.D.E.A. framework—Identify, Define, Explore, Act—provides a structured approach to AI prompting for creative problem-solving, innovation, and idea generation by clearly articulating challenges, establishing context, exploring diverse solutions, and developing action plans.

Introduction

The I.D.E.A. Framework—Identify, Define, Explore, Act—is a structured approach to prompt engineering designed for generating creative solutions and innovative ideas with AI systems. This framework is built on classic creative problem-solving methodologies, guiding users through a systematic process from problem identification to action planning.

This framework produces outputs that are:

  • Problem-Centered – Focused on addressing specific challenges or opportunities
  • Contextually Informed – Grounded in relevant background and constraints
  • Creatively Diverse – Exploring multiple innovative approaches
  • Action-Oriented – Moving from ideation to practical implementation

The I.D.E.A. framework is particularly valuable for:

  • Product and service innovation
  • Marketing and campaign ideation
  • Design challenges and creative brainstorming
  • Business strategy and opportunity identification
  • Process improvement and optimization

I.D.E.A. Framework Structure

1. Identify

Clearly state the problem, challenge, or opportunity you're addressing

The Identify component establishes what problem you're trying to solve or what opportunity you're exploring. This should be specific enough to provide focus but open enough to allow for creative solutions.

Good examples:
  • How might we reduce shopping cart abandonment rates for our e-commerce site?
  • What innovative features could differentiate our project management app in a crowded market?
  • How can we create a more engaging onboarding experience for new software users?
Bad examples:
  • Make our product better (too vague)
  • Increase sales (lacks specificity about what aspect to improve)
  • Generate some marketing ideas (undefined challenge)

2. Define

Provide relevant background, users, goals, industry context, and constraints

The Define component provides the situational context, parameters, and constraints that shape potential solutions. This includes relevant information about users, business goals, industry standards, resource limitations, and other factors that will influence idea viability.

Good examples:
  • "Our users are primarily marketing professionals at mid-size companies who value time-saving features but struggle with complex interfaces. Our goal is to increase daily active usage by 20%. We operate in the productivity software space with a $50/month price point and limited development resources for the next quarter."
  • "We're launching a new plant-based protein product targeting health-conscious consumers aged 25-45 who aren't vegetarian but are reducing meat consumption. Competitors emphasize either environmental benefits or taste, but rarely both successfully. Our production capacity is limited to 10,000 units monthly initially."
Bad examples:
  • "We need new ideas fast" (lacks contextual information)
  • "Make it innovative" (lacks specific parameters)
  • Providing irrelevant technical specifications not connected to the creative challenge

3. Explore

Request diverse, creative solutions and divergent thinking

The Explore component directs the AI to generate multiple diverse approaches to address the identified challenge. This step emphasizes quantity, variety, and creative thinking before narrowing down to specific solutions.

Good examples:
  • "Generate 5-7 distinct approaches to this challenge, ranging from incremental improvements to radical reimagining. For each idea, provide a conceptual overview and highlight its primary advantage."
  • "Explore this opportunity through multiple lenses: technology-focused solutions, service design approaches, business model innovations, and marketing/positioning strategies. Provide at least two ideas within each category."
  • "Develop a range of concepts from low-resource/quick-implementation ideas to more ambitious long-term solutions. Include unexpected or non-obvious approaches that might not be immediately apparent."
Bad examples:
  • "What's your best idea?" (doesn't encourage multiple solutions)
  • "Be creative" (too vague without specific exploration parameters)
  • "Give me some thoughts" (lacks structure for diverse ideation)

4. Act

Select, prioritize, and develop implementation strategies for the best ideas

The Act component moves from ideation to evaluation and implementation planning. This ensures the creative ideas generated can be transformed into practical action with clear next steps.

Good examples:
  • "Evaluate these concepts based on implementation feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with our stated goals. Recommend the top 2-3 ideas with detailed next steps for each, including required resources, timeline, and success metrics."
  • "For the most promising idea, develop a phased implementation plan including: key milestones, potential challenges and mitigations, resource requirements, and measurement approach."
  • "Create an evaluation matrix comparing these ideas across impact, cost, time to implement, and risk factors. Then provide a detailed implementation roadmap for the highest-scoring concept."
Bad examples:
  • "Choose the best one" (lacks evaluation criteria)
  • "Tell me what to do next" (insufficient structure for implementation)
  • "Which is most creative?" (subjective without clear selection criteria)

Example Prompts Using the I.D.E.A. Framework

Example 1: Product Feature Innovation

Prompt:

I.D.E.A. Breakdown:

  • Identify: Need for innovative fitness app features to differentiate and increase engagement
  • Define: User demographics, current usage patterns, development constraints, competitive landscape
  • Explore: Request for 6 concepts across specified categories of innovation
  • Act: Evaluation structure for each idea and request for detailed implementation of top 2 ideas

Example 2: Marketing Campaign Ideation

Prompt:

I.D.E.A. Breakdown:

  • Identify: Need for holiday campaign concepts to increase gift set sales by 30%
  • Define: Brand positioning, pricing, customer demographics, competitive landscape, previous tactics, budget
  • Explore: Request for 5 distinctive campaign concepts with specific components and parameters
  • Act: Evaluation criteria and request for detailed implementation plan for top concept

Best Use Cases for the I.D.E.A. Framework

1. Product Innovation

  • New product ideation
  • Feature development
  • User experience enhancement
  • Product differentiation
  • Line extensions
Example Prompt:

2. Content and Creative Ideation

  • Marketing campaign concepts
  • Content strategy innovation
  • Creative direction development
  • Brand storytelling approaches
  • Event and experience design
Example Prompt:

3. Business Model Innovation

  • Revenue stream diversification
  • Pricing model innovation
  • Customer acquisition strategies
  • Partnership opportunities
  • Market expansion approaches
Example Prompt:

4. Problem-Solving and Process Improvement

  • Workflow optimization
  • Customer experience enhancement
  • Operational efficiency
  • Quality improvement
  • Cost reduction approaches
Example Prompt:

Bonus Tips for Using I.D.E.A. Effectively

💡 Frame challenges as opportunities: In the Identify section, use "How might we..." statements to encourage possibility-focused thinking

🎯 Include both constraints and aspirations: In the Define section, balance limitations with ambitions to guide appropriate innovation

🔍 Request diverse thinking approaches: In the Explore section, specify different creativity techniques or perspectives to consider

📊 Establish clear evaluation criteria: In the Act section, provide specific parameters for assessing and selecting ideas

⚙️ Consider implementation complexity: Request assessment of resource requirements and feasibility alongside creative potential

Conclusion

The I.D.E.A. Framework provides a powerful approach to prompt engineering for creative problem-solving and innovation. By systematically defining challenges, establishing relevant context, exploring diverse solutions, and planning concrete actions, you create prompts that generate creative yet practical outputs tailored to your specific situation.

The framework can be extended with additional components for more specialized needs:

  • Inspiration: Adding reference examples or analogies from other domains
  • Divergence: Specifying techniques for generating radically different approaches
  • Evaluation: Developing specific criteria for assessing ideas
  • Adaptation: Refining promising concepts through iteration

Remember that effective innovation requires both creative ideation and practical implementation. The I.D.E.A. framework ensures your AI-generated concepts are grounded in real challenges, informed by relevant context, creatively diverse, and oriented toward concrete action.

Framework in Action: Examples

See how IDEA Framework transforms basic prompts into powerful instructions

Before & After Examples

See how this framework transforms basic prompts into powerful instructions for AI

Basic PromptBefore
Create five innovative product launch ideas for a new eco-friendly clothing line. Include event concepts, social media campaigns, and partnerships.
Effectiveness
Based on structure, specificity, clarity, and actionable content
Low
Identify-Define-Explore-Act EnhancedAfter
Identify: We need innovative product launch strategies for our new sustainable clothing line "EcoThreads" that will generate awareness, create brand differentiation, and drive initial sales while highlighting our environmental commitment. Define: We're a digitally-native fashion brand expanding into sustainable apparel with a $75-150 price point targeting environmentally-conscious consumers ages 25-40. Our marketing budget is $120,000. The line launches in 3 months (April), featuring recycled materials and carbon-neutral manufacturing. Competitors include Patagonia, Reformation, and Everlane. Our audience values authenticity, transparency, and experiences over traditional advertising. Explore: Generate 5 innovative launch concepts that showcase our sustainability credentials and create meaningful engagement: - Include at least one immersive physical event concept - Develop a social media campaign that incorporates user participation - Suggest at least one unexpected partnership outside the fashion industry - Consider an approach that delivers a tangible environmental impact - Think beyond conventional fashion launch tactics (runway shows, influencer gifting) Act: For each concept, provide: 1. A descriptive name and concept summary 2. Estimated budget requirements 3. Timeline for implementation 4. Key metrics to measure success 5. Potential challenges and how to address them Then select the 2 most impactful concepts and provide more detailed execution plans.
Effectiveness
Based on structure, specificity, clarity, and actionable content
High

Response Comparison

Basic AI ResponseBefore
Quality:
# Product Launch Ideas for Eco-Friendly Clothing Line

Here are five innovative product launch ideas for your new eco-friendly clothing line:

## 1. Eco-Fashion Show
Host a fashion show highlighting your clothing line. Use sustainable decorations and have models explain the eco-friendly aspects of each outfit.

## 2. Social Media Challenge
Create a hashtag challenge where people show how they're being eco-friendly in their daily lives. Give away products to winners.

## 3. Influencer Partnerships
Partner with eco-conscious influencers to promote your clothing. Have them create content showing how versatile and stylish sustainable fashion can be.

## 4. Pop-up Shop
Open a temporary store made from recycled materials where customers can see and try your products. Include educational displays about sustainability.

## 5. Community Clean-up Event
Organize community clean-up events where participants receive discounts on your clothing. This shows your commitment to the environment beyond just selling products.

These ideas should help create buzz around your new eco-friendly clothing line while reinforcing your brand values!
Generic information
Lacks structure
Limited detail
Identify-Define-Explore-Act Enhanced ResponseAfter
Quality:
# EcoThreads Launch Strategy: Innovative Sustainability-Driven Concepts

## Concept 1: "Regenerative Runway" - Carbon-Negative Fashion Experience
**Summary:** A hybrid physical/digital fashion showcase where each attendee's participation actively removes carbon through an innovative venue transformation.

**Experience Details:**
- Host in an urban warehouse transformed with air-purifying installations and living walls
- Partner with Climeworks for carbon capture technology displays integrated throughout venue
- Each guest scanning an exhibit or trying on clothing triggers a measurable carbon capture donation
- Real-time displays show collective carbon impact growing throughout the event
- Instead of traditional runway, create immersive "climate zones" showcasing how the clothing functions in different environments

**Budget Estimate:** $45,000 ($25K venue/installation, $10K technology, $10K staffing/logistics)

**Timeline:** 
- 12 weeks for concept design and technology integration
- 6 weeks for venue preparation
- 2-day event with 2-week virtual extension

**Success Metrics:**
- Physical attendance (target: 500 high-value prospects)
- Digital engagement (target: 25,000 virtual participants)
- Carbon captured (target: 50 tons)
- Press coverage quality/quantity (target: 15+ sustainable fashion publications)
- Conversion to purchase (target: 15% of attendees)

**Potential Challenges:**
- Technical complexity of impact tracking system
- Solution: Early prototype testing and backup manual tracking systems
- Higher cost compared to traditional launch events
- Solution: Secure partner co-funding through carbon credit organizations

## Concept 2: "Material Reincarnation" - Upcycling Partnership Program
**Summary:** Partnership with National Geographic and marine conservation organizations where plastic collected from ocean cleanups is visibly transformed into EcoThreads garments, documented from collection to creation.

**Program Details:**
- Coordinate 10 simultaneous beach cleanups across major coastal cities
- Create documentary-style content following specific pieces of recovered plastic through your manufacturing process
- Launch collection where each garment includes a QR code showing its "previous life" as ocean waste
- Create AR experience showing the transformation journey when QR code is scanned
- Offer customers the opportunity to "sponsor" future ocean plastic recovery with purchases

**Budget Estimate:** $35,000 ($15K cleanup events, $15K content production, $5K technology)

**Timeline:**
- 8 weeks for cleanup organization and filming
- 4 weeks for content production
- 6-week campaign rollout

**Success Metrics:**
- Plastic recovered (target: 5,000+ pounds)
- Content engagement (target: 3M+ video views)
- QR code scans (target: 50% of purchased items)
- Earned media value (target: $250K+)
- Sales of featured collection (target: 1,500+ units)

**Potential Challenges:**
- Weather disruptions for cleanup events
- Solution: Flexible scheduling and backup indoor collection events
- Complex supply chain documentation
- Solution: Dedicated project manager for traceability systems

## Concept 3: "Wardrobe Reforestation" - Clothing Trade-In Program
**Summary:** Digital-first campaign where customers can trade in any fast fashion item (any brand) to be properly recycled/upcycled, receiving EcoThreads credit while triggering reforestation.

**Program Details:**
- Create prepaid shipping system for clothing trade-ins
- Partner with OneTreePlanted to plant one tree per garment received
- Develop interactive digital map showing forests growing based on participation
- Offer escalating credit values for multiple items traded in
- Create "fashion footprint calculator" showing environmental impact of switches

**Budget Estimate:** $30,000 ($12K shipping/logistics, $10K tree planting, $8K digital platform)

**Timeline:**
- 6 weeks for logistics and platform development
- 2-week soft launch to test systems
- Ongoing program with quarterly impact reports

**Success Metrics:**
- Items collected (target: 10,000 in first quarter)
- Trees planted (target: 10,000+)
- New customer acquisition (target: 40% of participants)
- Average order value increase (target: 20% higher than standard)
- Social sharing of impact (target: 25% of participants)

**Potential Challenges:**
- Logistics of processing large volume of trade-ins
- Solution: Phased rollout by region and partnership with existing recycling infrastructure
- Verification of planting impact
- Solution: Blockchain certification of environmental claims

## Concept 4: "Climate Capsule" - Weather-Responsive Retail Experience
**Summary:** A first-of-its-kind retail installation that physically transforms based on real-time climate data, demonstrating both the reality of climate change and the adaptability of your sustainable clothing.

**Experience Details:**
- Create pop-up spaces in 3 major cities with exteriors that change appearance based on global temperature data
- Interior features responsive lighting, temperature, and ambient sounds reflecting different environments threatened by climate change
- Clothing displayed shows specific environmental benefits (water saved, emissions reduced) via AR displays
- Partner with The Weather Channel for cross-promotion and data visualization
- Limited-edition "Climate Collection" with proceeds supporting climate research

**Budget Estimate:** $60,000 ($40K installations, $15K technology, $5K staffing)

**Timeline:**
- 10 weeks for design and construction
- 4-week installation tour across cities
- 2-week digital extension

**Success Metrics:**
- Foot traffic (target: 7,500 visitors)
- Dwell time (target: 15+ minutes average)
- Social media impressions (target: 5M+)
- Email capture (target: 40% of visitors)
- Press features (target: 25+ publications)

**Potential Challenges:**
- Technical complexity of responsive environment
- Solution: Simplified version as backup and strong technical partners
- High cost per impression relative to digital
- Solution: Robust content capture for extended digital reach

## Concept 5: "Supply Chain Transparency Tour" - Virtual Factory Visit Campaign
**Summary:** Reimagine the "factory tour" through an interactive social campaign where consumers can virtually visit your entire supply chain through Instagram/TikTok Live events, meeting actual workers and seeing real sustainability practices.

**Campaign Details:**
- Schedule weekly live broadcasts from different parts of your supply chain
- Create "transparency passport" where viewers collect digital stamps from each facility visit
- Feature interviews with workers about fair labor practices and sustainability improvements
- Host Q&A sessions where viewers can ask unscripted questions about processes
- Culminate in a special collection co-designed with factory workers

**Budget Estimate:** $25,000 ($15K production, $5K worker incentives, $5K promotion)

**Timeline:**
- 4 weeks for planning and coordination
- 8-week campaign (one facility per week)
- 2-week final collection launch

**Success Metrics:**
- Live viewership (target: 5,000+ per session)
- Replay views (target: 50,000+ per session)
- Sentiment analysis (target: 90%+ positive reactions)
- "Transparency passport" completion (target: 5,000 users)
- Co-designed collection sales (target: 85% sellthrough)

**Potential Challenges:**
- Connectivity issues at remote facilities
- Solution: Pre-recorded backup content and technical rehearsals
- Language barriers with international workers
- Solution: Translation overlay technology and multilingual moderators

## Detailed Implementation Plans for Top Recommendations

### Priority 1: "Regenerative Runway" Implementation Plan

**Week 1-3: Conceptual Development**
- Finalize venue selection with sustainability specifications
- Contract with Climeworks for carbon capture technology integration
- Develop technical specifications for carbon impact tracking system
- Create detailed experience flow mapping for physical and digital attendees

**Week 4-8: Production Development**
- Design and begin construction of climate zone installations
- Develop invitation strategy targeting key sustainability influencers and fashion press
- Create content capture plan for extending experience digitally
- Begin programming of impact tracking application

**Week 9-11: Integration and Testing**
- Install and test all technical components
- Conduct full walkthrough rehearsals with staff
- Launch pre-event digital campaign with carbon capture teasers
- Finalize run-of-show and contingency plans

**Week 12: Execution**
- 2-day physical event operation
- Real-time content distribution to digital audience
- Continuous impact tracking and visualization
- Immediate post-event impact report

**Post-Event (2 weeks)**
- Extended digital experience available online
- Conversion campaign targeting attendees
- Full environmental impact assessment publication
- Media coverage amplification

**Budget Breakdown:**
- Venue and sustainable transformation: $25,000
- Carbon capture technology and integration: $8,000
- Digital platform development: $7,000
- Staffing and operations: $5,000

### Priority 2: "Material Reincarnation" Implementation Plan

**Week 1-2: Partnership Development**
- Finalize agreements with National Geographic and ocean conservation groups
- Identify 10 cleanup locations and local organizers
- Create detailed filming schedule and storyboard
- Develop tracking system for collected materials

**Week 3-4: Cleanup Coordination**
- Recruit participants for each location
- Prepare collection and sorting protocols
- Arrange logistics for material transportation
- Begin pre-event promotional content

**Week 5-6: Cleanup Execution**
- Conduct simultaneous cleanup events
- Document process with professional and user-generated content
- Sort and prepare recovered materials for manufacturing
- Release initial content showing collection impact

**Week 7-10: Production Tracking**
- Film manufacturing process with recovered materials
- Develop QR-based tracking system for finished garments
- Create AR experience showcasing transformation journey
- Prepare e-commerce integration

**Week 11-12: Campaign Launch**
- Release documentary series on material transformation
- Launch collection with ocean plastic traceability
- Implement retail QR experiences
- Activate PR campaign highlighting innovation

**Budget Breakdown:**
- Cleanup event coordination and materials: $10,000
- Transportation and processing of recovered materials: $5,000
- Content production and editing: $15,000
- QR/AR technology development: $5,000

Both recommended concepts deliver on your goals by:
1. Creating meaningful environmental impact beyond marketing storytelling
2. Generating highly shareable, unique content that differentiates from conventional fashion launches
3. Engaging your target audience through experience and technology rather than traditional advertising
4. Establishing your brand as an innovative leader in sustainable fashion practices
5. Building a foundation for ongoing storytelling beyond the initial launch period
Professional format
Expert insights
Actionable content

Key Improvements with the Framework

Professional Structure

Clear organization with logical sections

Targeted Focus

Precisely aligned with specific outcomes

Enhanced Clarity

Clear intent and specific requirements

Actionable Output

Concrete recommendations and detailed analysis

Framework Component Breakdown

Identify
Clearly state the problem, challenge, or opportunity you're addressing
Define
Provide relevant background, users, goals, industry context, and constraints
Explore
Request diverse, creative solutions and divergent thinking
Act
Select, prioritize, and develop implementation strategies for the best ideas