Don't choose a project with a device already decided.
Worst Way - come up with the worst ideas for the solution, and then flip them.
Moodboards - Google Images, Design Inspiration, Pinterest.
Sketching / Notes - quick, visual, easy to interpret, easy to edit / add to.
Mind Maps - fast, radiates from the central issue, logical associations.
Brainstorming - spontaneous, encourages discussion, unexpected ideas.
Connections - a human need, target audience, medium(tone), device = solution.
Negative Brainstorming - discover the negative or unintended consequences of a product.
eg. streaming services leading to more people staying indoors to watch content and lacking in social engagement.
What if? - ask questions or re-phrase a design problem with different words.
How do? - break a topic or problem into smaller pieces? easier to answer.
Inspiration can be triggered by the mundane. Go for a walk or explore a new area or other disciplines. Put the problem to the back of your mind and your let your sub-conscious do the thinking.
SCAMPER
start big - invest the area - figure out the problems - think of solutions for the problem