- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
SafetyCulture (iAuditor)
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is a mobile-first operations platform that gives you a space for sharing and documenting ideas during product development. The platform allows your team to exchange ideas while simplifying the management process from beginning to implementation. Through this easy-to-use software, organizations have all the tools they’ll need for idea management in one place.
Features:
- Streamline the idea submission process through a secure documentation system that allows photo and video attachments
- Facilitate information sharing about idea submissions, including status updates and supporting documents, across cross-functional teams
- Find trends in newly developed and implemented ideas through the data analytics tool
- Foster a spirit of collaboration across the organization by recognizing all contributors in a dedicated space
- Empower employees to develop new ideas through training guides, process assessments, and other resources
Why use Aha! Ideas?
Aha! Ideas helps teams develop ideas and bring out fully realized products. It is an ideal choice for organizations looking to align their ideas with strategic goals, enabling teams to prioritize and execute initiatives effectively.
Features:
- Strategic planning and goal alignment for idea evaluation
- Mapping and visual representation of idea impact
- Collaboration and feedback gathering from stakeholders
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $39/user/month, billed annually (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Lucidspark?
Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard where workers can lay out ideas, share their comments, and bring their ideas to life. It stands out for its interactive and visually engaging approach to idea generation with freehand drawing and stick notes capabilities in a visual idea board.
Features:
- Sticky notes
- Breakout boards
- Collaborative AI tools
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at $7.95/month (with a free trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Roadmunk?
Roadmunk is designed to help you build a roadmap for ideas, exploring all the possibilities and managing risks along the way. The platform features a user-friendly interface and the ability to create visual roadmaps quickly, making it suitable for organizations seeking to align their ideas with strategic planning.
Features:
- Intuitive roadmap planning
- Collaboration and feedback collection
- Integration with project management tools
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $19/month, billed annually (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Cacoo?
Cacoo is an easy-to-use idea management platform that allows you to visualize and plan out roadmaps for different ideas and products. It has robust collaboration features, allowing organizations to create a culture that promotes innovation.
Features:
- Collaborative diagramming for idea visualization
- Templates for various diagram types
- Real-time collaboration and commenting on diagrams
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Starts at $6/month (with a free 14-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web
Why use Wellspring Innovation Management?
Wellspring Innovation Management is made to accelerate innovation for organizations in the research and development (R&D) section. It is an ideal choice for those looking to centralize and streamline their innovation processes, from idea generation to implementation.
Features:
- Collaboration and workflow management for idea evaluation
- Integration with research databases and external sources
- Pipeline insights and reporting
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Web, iOS, Android
Why use Idea Box?
Brightidea’s Idea Box is made for facilitating idea submissions and information sharing until they reach the development process. It offers a wide range of features for idea generation, collaboration, and implementation, making it easier for companies to foster continuous innovation.
Features:
- Collaboration and workflow automation for idea evaluation
- Integration with popular collaboration tools
- Advanced analytics for tracking innovation metrics
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Starts at $59/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Web, PC, iOS, Android
What is Idea Management Software?
Idea management software is a digital platform where employees can submit, review, share, and develop ideas. This tool aids organizations in harnessing the team’s full potential and promoting a culture of innovation for business growth. On top of that, it makes it easier to view, develop, and restructure ideas to fit the organization’s goals better.
Importance
Idea management software offers a wide range of benefits to organizations. To start, they serve as a central platform for receiving, reviewing, and developing ideas.
The impacts of this software go much further than that. Here are a few more benefits of using idea management software:
Enhanced Collaboration
These platforms help foster a collaborative environment where product development teams and project managers can seamlessly exchange ideas, breaking down silos and promoting cross-functional synergy.
Efficient Idea Collection
Submitting, reviewing, and collecting ideas is tough for any organization. These platforms serve as a central hub where employees submit their ideas, making the entire process more efficient.
Transparent Evaluation
Lastly, these platforms help facilitate fair and transparent evaluation processes. Through the software, stakeholders can assess and score ideas based on predefined criteria, eliminating biases and ensuring a meritocratic approach to innovation.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features organizations need in idea management software.
User-Friendly Interface
Choose software with an intuitive interface to ensure easy adoption across teams. A user-friendly design encourages active participation and engagement.
Customizable Workflows
Opt for platforms that offer customizable workflows, allowing organizations to tailor the idea management process to their specific needs and industry demands.
Analytics & Reports
Look for tools that facilitate real-time collaboration, enabling teams to contribute and build upon ideas collectively, irrespective of geographical locations.
Choosing the Right Idea Management Software
Choosing the appropriate idea management software for your organization needs careful consideration. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms featured above to help you select the best fit for your organization:
| Idea Management Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
| Aha! Ideas | None | $39/user/month* | Yes |
| Lucidspark | Yes | $7.95/month | Yes |
| Roadmunk | None | $19/month* | None |
| Cacoo | Yes | $6/month | None |
| Wellspring Innovation Management | None | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Idea Box | Yes | $59/month | Yes |
* billed annually
