In this paper, we explore the role of sources of inspiration

in interaction design. We identify four strategies

for relating sources of inspiration to emerging ideas:

selection; adaptation; translation; and combination. As

our starting point, we argue that sources of inspiration

are a form of knowledge crucial to creativity. Our

research is based on empirical findings arising from

the use of Inspiration Card Workshops, which are collaborative

design events in which domain and technology

insight are combined to create design concepts. In

addition to the systematically introduced sources of

inspiration that form part of the workshop format, a

number of spontaneous sources of inspiration emerged

during these workshops.