BIAS: One of my most important creative tools
I want to share one of my most essential tools. It’s a four-step method for generating ideas called BIAS. That stands for Bound, Immerse, Arrange, and Stop. I’ll briefly explain each, but check out my digital toolkit, Get Ideas Now, for a more thorough explanation of this process.
How BIAS Works
BOUND
Start by defining the boundaries for your exploration. Creativity thrives within constraints. Pick a niche, like, for instance, early first-person shooters.IMMERSE
Next, immerse yourself deeply in your chosen area. Research and absorb knowledge through reading, talking to experts, and experiencing relevant products and culture.ARRANGE
Arrange your findings into narratives, maps, and connections. Push yourself to go deep—but beware of lapsing into analysis paralysis.STOP
Now, the twist: stop working! Go for a walk, take a drive, or just relax. After you stop working, your subconscious will work its magic. Ideas often arise in these quiet moments, so be prepared to capture them in your phone or a notebook.
Following these steps sets the stage for your subconscious mind to generate ideas. You might not be aware of the process, but it's happening beneath the surface.
In other words, getting ideas is just a matter of:
Picking a specific topic
Uploading a bunch of information to your brain
Reviewing it and arranging it
Stopping and waiting
Any creative person you admire is probably doing some version of this.