Definitions

Dictionary definitions of the word “idea” tend to be very broad.

From Bing:

From Wikipedia:

An idea is a concept or mental impression. Very often, ideas are construed as representational images; i.e. images of some object . In other contexts, ideas are taken to be concepts, although abstract concepts do not necessarily appear as images. Many philosophers consider ideas to be a fundamental ontological category of being. The capacity to create and understand the meaning of ideas is considered to be an essential and defining feature of human beings. In a popular sense, an idea arises in a reflex, spontaneous manner, even without thinking or serious reflection, for example, when we talk about the idea of a person or a place.

But within the innovation community (and increasingly in popular culture) it seems like “idea” has acquired more specific connotations.  Talking about an idea implies 1) something new, a unique concept that has 2) potential value. These two specifications bring an enormous change in how we talk about ideas, and how we use the word in practice.

This new idea of what an idea means is often employed in context (or sometimes in competition) with other value-laden words, like “insight”, “opportunity”, and “solution”.

An insight is usually a momentary flash; as you think about it and discuss it with others it gradually transforms into an idea, a proposition for action with a beginning, middle and end. When you set to work to implement the idea it may become an innovation (a product, service or concept) that adds value for the organization and/or customer.

Langdon Morris, realinnovation.com

Other words which overlap with “idea” in practice include “concept”, “vision”, and “model”.  The confusion around these related words can often get in the way of an ideation process.  It might help to  to develop a map of the definitions, in order to help clarify our objectives and position in the process.