Idea Heatmaps
Definition
Idea Heatmaps are visual tools used to evaluate, compare, and prioritize innovation ideas based on multiple criteria — such as impact, feasibility, or strategic fit. By mapping ideas across a two-dimensional matrix, teams can identify patterns, clusters, and outliers that inform smarter decision-making.
Heatmaps help create shared understanding around which ideas are worth pursuing, shelving, or developing further. They are especially useful during Validation and Scaling, where many ideas compete for limited time and resources.
Typically, criteria are defined collaboratively — for example: “value to user” on one axis and “ease of implementation” on the other. Ideas are then plotted based on available data or stakeholder input. This approach combines qualitative insight with structured decision-making, giving teams clarity and focus.
Idea heatmaps are also powerful tools for stakeholder engagement. By visualizing idea portfolios in a simple and transparent format, they help align teams around priorities and reduce bias in the selection process. Platforms like Nosco make it easy to generate and download heatmaps as part of the ideation workflow. You can learn more in our Help Center article.
Relevant links and use cases
- Nosco Consultancy – enabling structured evaluation and decision-making in innovation programs
- KUKA Use Case – example of using idea heatmaps to guide prioritization across a global innovation portfolio
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Related concepts
Ideation
Ideation is the creative process of conceiving and shaping new ideas. It includes everything from the first thought or inspiration to the formulation of an idea. In the context of an innovation challenge, it refers to the initial phase in which ideas are submitted online and…
Idea management
Idea management is the structured process of managing ideas from ideation through evaluation and refinement to selection. Many companies use an idea management platform to support this process (the Nosco platform is an example of this).
Call for ideas
A call for ideas is an announcement used when an organization or person looks for ideas on a specific topic or project. In the field of innovation, it is used to describe the types of ideas welcome to an innovation challenge…
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