Our subconscious mind is constantly processing the ideas and stimuli received consciously. A useful technique is to actively work on a problem before going to sleep, allowing the subconscious to take over. Review any ideas when you awake, and make sure you have a pad and pen by your bed to record the ideas. There are no sure-fire ways to guarantee success in creating great ideas.
Structure can be good but has a key downfall and is a stumbling block to many.
True inspiration is not physically measurable, nor tangible in any concrete way. Specific methods of generating ideas are discussed, but the point remains that these discussions rest on a quality which cannot be measured, though it may be discerned with the attuned mind, ie. This is because creativity cannot be limited, and therefore anything which limits cannot contain creativity. For many artists and creators, in our Western society, creativity is viewed as something to do. There is a perception that hard work is required to create the best works.