Designers find stimuli in a number of ways. Stimuli give designers ideas for solving a problem and help them to create new and original designs. You may find stimuli in:

• Your design brief – this outlines the requirements of your project and should give you some useful starting points.
• A source of inspiration – this can help to generate ideas for the style of your design.
• Social influences, such as design trends or consumer needs.
• Cultural influences, such as a particular design movement.
• Market research – investigating designs already on the market might inspire you. You could carry out a survey or questionnaire if appropriate to your brief.
• The work of specific designers may influence your approach.

When choosing a stimulus for design work, try to do the following:

• Select a stimulus which relates well to your design brief.
• Consider different sources for your market research and investigations – the world around you, shops or online outlets, books, magazines, design websites.
• Keep an open mind - it is a process of exploration.