△○□ (Stupa) Ideation Method | A Method for Generating New Concepts
“I can only come up with ordinary ideas…”
“I want to break fixed thinking patterns and generate fresh ideas…”
In such cases, the “△○□ (Stupa) Ideation Method” is a useful approach that combines multiple perspectives.
The Stupa ideation method is a technique for generating new ideas by breaking a theme into elements and recombining them.
By organizing thinking using the shapes △, ○, and □, even beginners can easily apply this method.
What is the △○□ (Stupa) Ideation Method?
The △○□ (Stupa) ideation method is a technique for generating new concepts by breaking a theme into multiple elements and combining them.
Using △, ○, and □ step by step:
- Organize the theme
- Combine elements
- Create new concepts
This method is called “Stupa” because the shape resembles a Buddhist stupa.
How to Use the Stupa Ideation Method
- Define the theme (△)
- Break the theme into 3 elements (△)
- Combine the elements (○)
- Add a new axis of innovation (□)
- Generate new concepts (□)
The key point is:
“Thinking about the boundaries between elements”
New business ideas tend to emerge where different elements intersect.
Example Using a Free Template
This is a slightly complex ideation method.
First, let’s look at an overview example.
Next, we will explain each step in detail.
STEP 1 | Define the 3 Elements of the Theme (△)
First, break the theme into three elements.
For example:
Theme: “Modern working fathers”
- Cooking
- Childcare
- Work
Think of it as: “How would you describe this theme in 3 words?”
STEP 2 | Combine the Elements (○)
Next, combine the elements.
| Combination | Idea Example |
|---|---|
| Cooking × Work | Shared household responsibilities |
| Childcare × Work | Short-time work system |
| Cooking × Childcare | Baby food preparation |
At this stage, several promising ideas already begin to appear.
STEP 3 | Add a New Axis (□)
Finally, add a keyword representing a “new axis.”
For example:
- Overtime work
- AI
- Relocation to rural areas
- Subscription model
This new axis is what pushes the idea beyond conventional thinking.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Theme | Modern working fathers |
| 3 Elements | Cooking / Childcare / Work |
| Combinations | Housework sharing / Short-time work / Baby food |
| New Axis | Overtime work |
From here, we derive the concept:
“How to balance work and housework”
This can be expanded into business ideas such as:
- Housework efficiency tools for men
- Time-saving household schools
- Cooking classes for fathers
- Housework efficiency guides
Features of the Stupa Ideation Method
- Strong for concept design
- Easy to visualize and organize
- Beginner-friendly
- Combines multiple elements
- Suitable for new business ideas
- Expands creative thinking
Benefits of the Stupa Ideation Method
- Helps discover new markets
- Enables deeper theme analysis
- Makes differentiation easier
- Useful for product planning
- Effective for brainstorming
- Helps logically structure ideas
Recommended For
- People planning new businesses
- Product planners
- Those exploring new markets
- Concept designers
- People wanting to improve creativity
- Marketing professionals
Combinations Create New Ideas
In the Stupa ideation method:
“Combining different elements”
is the most important factor.
Many innovative services in the world are created by combining existing elements in new ways.
By breaking down and reconstructing themes, you can generate entirely new concepts.
Free Template Available
To help you apply this method immediately, a free PDF template is available.
Please use it for product planning, marketing, new business development, and idea meetings.
△○□ (Stupa) Ideation Method Template Download