Brainstorming

• Brainwriting:

  • Nonverbal brainstorming method where everyone writes down three ideas related to the topic
  • Ideas are passed to the person on their right (or left) to build off of them
  • Can be done in person or remotely using a platform like Slack
• Rapid ideation:

  • Everyone writes down as many ideas as possible in a set time before discussing or critiquing
  • Helps avoid premature shooting down of ideas and encourages creativity
• Figure storming:

  • Group picks a well-known figure not in the room to approach the problem or idea
  • Encourages creative thinking by putting oneself in someone else's shoes
• Eidetic image method:

  • Visualization-based method using vivid images stored in our minds
  • Group sets intention for what they will create, like a new phone design
• Online brainstorming (brain netting):

  • Central location for team members to write down ideas
  • Can be done in real-time over platforms like Slack or Google docs for distributed teams
• Round-robin brainstorming:

  • Every member participates by contributing one idea each
  • Group goes around the room at least once before any critiques or discussions
• Step-ladder technique:

  • Facilitator introduces topic, two people brainstorm, then a third person joins
  • Individuals return to the room one by one to share ideas before learning about others'
• Mind mapping:

  • Group starts with one idea and connects sub-ideas visually
  • Helpful for those who think visually and can spark new ideas
• Starbursting:

  • Later-stage brainstorming technique for elaborating on selected ideas
  • Create a six-point star around the idea, each point representing a question
• Change of scenery:

  • Moving brainstorming session to a new space can inspire new ideas
  • Helps break routine and encourage fresh thinking