Conducting surveys is also a great way to gather information and ideas. However, it takes a lot of hard work in order to generate your own unique idea as well. This is quite important if you are thinking about starting a business idea. if you utilise ideas generated by others, then it is no longer a "unique idea".
A lot of people are always ready to give you their opinion on something which is why I believe that making use of survey is a very good way to gather information and ideas without even paying much for it. Companies make you surveys to get opinions of customers on their products and it's something that gives them exactly what they can easily work with.