Move your hands, shift your thinking, expand your creativity.
Overview
This workshop combines design thinking with material studies (exploring the characteristics of materials) to develop ideas for improving everyday products. By experiencing how working with hands stimulates the brain, participants will explore a variety of design and idea-generation techniques while enjoying a hands-on approach.
| 📂 Category | Innovation |
| 📌 Keywords | Observation, Improvisation, Group Idea Generation |
| 🎯 Objectives | Experience idea generation through prototyping and learn how to leverage materials and serendipity. |
| 🌐 Language | Japanese (English support available) |
| 👥 Target Participants | Graduate & Undergraduate Students |
| 🗓 Format | Single session（5-hour in-person） |
| ✅ Past & Upcoming Sessions | Saturday, July 27, 2025, 13:00-18:00 (Scheduled) December 2024 (Completed) |
| 📍 Venue | S4-202, Ookayama |
| 🌟 Recommended for | ・Those interested in thinking through hands-on activities rather than just abstract ideas. ・Those who want to explore new ideation techniques by shifting between logic and intuition. |
| 📊 Points | 5 points (Points to be awarded to students enrolled in the courses for credits. Please refer to the syllabus for details.) |
| 🎟️ Capacity | 20 participants |
Main Content
1. Observation in Pairs
Participants will be given a theme and observe how existing products are used.
2. Idea Sketching Techniques
Introduction to different idea-sketching methods to expand creativity.
3. Silent Brainstorming
A brainstorming method tailored for Japanese communication styles to enhance idea generation.
4. New Product Proposal (1)
Practicing rapid idea development within a short timeframe.
5. New Product Proposal (2)
Prototype creation using various materials to refine the ideas.
6. Feedback & Refinement
Sharing and improving prototypes based on feedback.
Facilitator
Ayumu Isomura
Co-Representative, Fukufuku Plus Inc.
Co-Representative, Shibuya Font Association
Graduated from Kanazawa College of Art in 1989 and joined Fujifilm as a designer. His work includes innovation program management in advanced research, usability evaluation methodologies, and establishing HCD (Human-Centered Design) processes.
In 2006, he became the Head of Usability Design Group at Fujifilm, promoting key design strategies. After leaving Fujifilm, he studied social inclusion in Denmark and later founded Fukufuku Plus Inc. In 2021, he became the Co-Representative of Shibuya Font and launched the Local Font Initiative in 2022.
Message from the Facilitator
Ideas do not come from just thinking. Your hands create something, your brain reacts, and you move your hands again. This cycle stimulates your mind and leads to new ideas. This is not exclusive to designers—anyone can generate ideas by visualizing them in some way, regardless of artistic skill.
In this workshop, we create a psychologically safe space through interactive art appreciation, find challenges spontaneously, and create improvised prototypes. Then, by combining different material functions, participants will develop a second prototype beyond the initial idea. Enjoy the transformation of ideas that emerge through this hands-on process!
Past Event Records
Voices from Participants
- “I gained a new understanding of what design means—not just imagining things alone but putting myself in the user’s shoes.”
- “I have always admired collaborative ideation, and activities like silent brainstorming—where ideas grow through teamwork—were incredibly fun.”
- “Even a prototype created in just 20 minutes makes a huge difference—between leaving an idea as pure imagination or making it feel real. This small step could be what separates dreamers from those who turn their visions into reality.”
Event Report
Contact Faculty
Yuri Matsuzaki, Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Academy for Leadership）
📩 matsuzaki.y.77a9 [at] m.isct.ac.jp
