I never try to force it. All the good ideas I've had have just popped into my head when I wasn't trying to think of them, often in the shower or bath. However

I never try to force it. All the good ideas I've had have just popped into my head when I wasn't trying to think of them, often in the shower or bath. However, this doesn't just happen without preparation. I do a few things to maintain especially fertile ground for new ideas. First, I read a lot: the WSJ every day, sites like this one, articles on a variety of subjects, and books. Second, I free up lots of time to do nothing in particular in terms of thinking, such as going out to eat, taking long showers and baths, watching TV, etc. Third, I'm always looking for problems people are having. Fourth, I try talk to people about their general experiences on the Internet. Fifth, I bounce ideas off my wife. In your case, that would be with your co-founder. Finally, sometimes I just build things for a day or two on a whim to see where it goes.