Preparation:                 The process of becoming aware of the problem, through experiencing or observing it, and assembling information. This often involves deep immersion in the problem, sometimes leading to a sense of confusion.

Incubation:                  A stage often involving distraction, in which the problem is set aside or temporarily forgotten, enabling the unconscious mind to work on it.

Inspiration:                  The 'Eureka' experience, in which a new insight is acquired, sometimes as a result of an apparently unrelated stimulus.

Elaboration:                 This is the beginning of the convergent phase, in which the implications of the discovery are explored, and it is shared with others.

Evaluation:                  The solution is applied to the problem and its effectiveness assessed.

Revision:                     If necessary, the solution is modified or refined to improve its effectiveness; or, alternatively, it is rejected and the search process begins anew.

Dissemination:            The innovation is converted into a form that can be replicated and distributed.

Embedding:                The innovation becomes a semi-permanent feature in the organisation or sector to which it relates.           

Overall evaluation:     The success of the innovation on the large scale is assessed.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synectics