Skip to content

Inspiration

Inspiration is about exploring examples, trends, and references that spark new ideas for your own design. For example, when you design an interactive installation, you might look at existing artworks, technologies, or nature patterns to find new directions.

Why is this relevant to you? As a Creative Technologist, inspiration helps you combine creativity with technology in meaningful ways. By studying what already exists, you avoid reinventing the wheel, you build on proven ideas, and you become aware of ethical issues such as privacy, accessibility, or sustainability in similar projects.

Starting Points

  1. Collect visual and technical references.
    Example: use a mood board with images, sketches, and links to inspiring projects.
  2. Look outside your own field.
    Example: find inspiration in biology, music, or architecture for interaction design.
  3. Involve stakeholders by asking what inspires them.
    Example: interview users about products or experiences they find engaging.

Key Points

  1. Always link your inspiration back to the design question and stakeholder needs.
  2. Be critical: not all inspiration fits; explain why you choose certain references.
  3. Include ethical awareness: check if your examples respect privacy, safety, sustainability, and inclusion.
  4. Document your inspiration process in your portfolio to show how it guided your design.