Brainstorming

Brainstorming encourages people to collectively generate ideas around a particular area of interest or solve a specific problem.

There are numerous tools and techniques that help to facilitate a successful and creative session, including the practice of establishing some ground rules at the start. These may include:

  • Defer judgement, so that ideas and thoughts can flow without people fearing about criticism.
  • Encourage wild ideas, as even the most unrealistic or practical idea can inspire a new idea.
  • Drive for quantity, because the more ideas there are on the table the more likely you are to develop a stellar concept
  • End the session with decisions, not necessarily choosing a final solution, but making sure that those involved knows what the next steps are.

External sources:

Tinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques

Design Kit by IDEO.org