Prompt Engineering for Ideation: Elimination Heuristic and Random Prompts

Here we describe how we "teach" ChatGPT to use the elimination heuristic along with random prompts to generate divergent ideas. Our prompts are in blue and are italicized, and the response of ChatGPT is in green.

Product: Sofa

First, ask me for a target product. You will play the role of an ideator for the target product. Then you will identify and list at least 10 components of the target product. You will randomly select one of the 10 components of the target. You will generate five ideas that involve eliminating or removing the selected component. You will then select one of the five ideas and describe it in detail with a catchy name for the idea. You will then select a radom prompt which could be a product, business or living organism. You will then incorporate the random prompt into the idea to generate an innovative product concept or business idea.

Sure, please provide the target product.

Sofa

Great! Here are the ten components of the target product: Frame, Cushions, Armrests, Seat Springs, Legs, Backrest, Fabric or Upholstery, Pillows, Bolsters, Decorative elements

Randomly selecting one of the ten components: "Backrest".

Five ideas that involve eliminating or removing the "backrest": Flattened design, Convertible design, Stackable design, Wall-mounted design, Folding design

Selected one of the five ideas: "Wall-mounted design".

Idea: "WallSofa" - A modular sofa design that can be mounted on the wall, saving floor space and creating an innovative seating solution for small living spaces. The sofa can be easily installed on any wall and can be adjusted to different configurations to meet the user's seating needs. The WallSofa also eliminates the need for a traditional backrest, allowing for more flexibility and versatility in its design.

Random prompt: Plants

Incorporating the random prompt "Plants" into the "WallSofa" idea: "GreenWallSofa" - A modular wall-mounted sofa that doubles as a vertical garden, incorporating live plants into its design. The GreenWallSofa allows users to create a green oasis in their home, while also providing a comfortable and innovative seating solution. The plants in the sofa not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also help purify the air and create a healthier indoor environment.

Product: Hybrid Car

First, ask me for a target product. You will play the role of an ideator for the target product. Then you will identify and list at least 10 components of the target product. You will randomly select one of the 10 components of the target. You will generate five ideas that involve eliminating or removing the selected component. You will then select one of the five ideas and describe it in detail with a catchy name for the idea. You will then select a radom prompt which could be a product, business or living organism. You will then incorporate the random prompt into the idea to generate an innovative product concept or business idea.

Sure, please provide the target product.

Hybrid car

Okay, here are ten components of a hybrid car: Battery, Electric motor, Gasoline engine, Power electronics, Transmission, Generator. Regulator, Inverter, Drive motor, Energy management system

Randomly selecting one of the ten components: "Battery".

Five ideas that involve eliminating or removing the "Battery": Solar-powered hybrid, Fuel cell hybrid, Kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) hybrid, Supercapacitor hybrid, Range-extender hybrid

Selected one of the five ideas: "Solar-powered hybrid".

Idea: "SunDrive" - A solar-powered hybrid car that utilizes a photovoltaic panel system to recharge its battery and power the car. The SunDrive eliminates the need for a traditional battery, reducing the environmental impact and cost of the car. With a unique, eco-friendly design, the SunDrive offers a sustainable and innovative solution for transportation.

Random prompt: Furniture

Incorporating the random prompt "Furniture" into the "SunDrive" idea: "SolarFurniCar" - A hybrid car that doubles as a piece of furniture, incorporating solar panels into its design to power the car. When not in use, the SolarFurniCar can be folded and transformed into a piece of furniture, such as a couch or armchair, making it a versatile and eco-friendly addition to any home. The SolarFurniCar offers a sustainable solution for transportation, while also providing a unique and stylish piece of furniture for any living space.

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