Trying on different hats

Not you, your idea concepts.

Thinking outside the box for new and innovative ideas is an important cornerstone for being a designer. But, it can be tough to know where to start and how to deviate from a starting point.

Collections of inspiration, like mood boards, are a great way to organize ideas from different sources. These don't need to be direct references. Pull ideas from nature, fashion, art, architecture and anything that catches your eye. 

Speak with other designers about your project if possible because their background may bring about fresh ideas.

Experiment with colors and shapes and textures and patterns and any design detail that might work. 

You don't truly know how a hat is going to look on you until you try one on. You won't know which hat to buy until you've tried dozens of them.