Brainstorming


 * Brainstorming 5 Effective Steps**
 * Brainstorming 5 Effective Steps**

Brainstorming is a group discussion in which individuals use the free flow of ideas to generate as many thoughts as possible within a defined period of time.
 * What Is It?**

Edward de Bono, leading authority in the world in the field of creative thinking, talks about “brainsailing.” This helps us visualize how the ideas in a brainstorming session should flow smoothly from one another.

In brainstorming we are interested in quantity, not quality. Groups tend to self-censor their comments unless they are reminded of this goal. Tell the group that focusing on quantity will produce “jewels” and “junk” but there is no need to be concerned about the distinction at this point. It will be sorted out later.

It is important to be precise. The better the question, the better the result. Compare the following questions: Very similar questions, but the first will elicit both positive and negative responses while the later will tend to identify only the negative areas of the issue. Which will give you the results you want?
 * 1. Clearly define the topic to be brainstormed.**
 * “What are the challenges and opportunities regarding how we bring our next product to market?”
 * “What are the problems with bringing out new product to market?'

Let the process continue a bit longer if the discussion is still lively. Be careful not to end prematurely. A short lull very often leads to a new wave of ideas. Set an expectation for the volume of output. “Based on this topic, I think we should be able to generate between 40-50 ideas over the next 20 minutes.” This sets an expectation that the group will typically fulfill.
 * 2. Aim to generate as many ideas as possible in 20-30 minutes.**

Commenting on ideas is the quickest way to derail or even shut down a dynamic brainstorming session. You should however get clarification if people don't understand what is meant by an idea.
 * 3. Don't change, criticize or evaluate any idea.**

If one or two people are dominating the discussion, it is perfectly acceptable to ask others by name if they have any thoughts or ideas. Taking some initiative to bring everyone into the discussion is part of the facilitator's role.
 * 4. Encourage each member to present as many ideas as possible.**

At the end of a successful brainstorming session you will have a long list of ideas. Now you will need to separate the “jewels” from the “junk” and create a manageable list of feasible ideas that are worthy of further investigation. Here's how:
 * 5. Keep going until all ideas have been presented.**
 * Evaluate Results**
 * 1) Clarify: Make sure everyone understands what each idea means.
 * 2) Categorize Ideas: Combine related ideas. Re-write your list or rearrange post-it notes. TIP: If you want to group the ideas, an affinity diagramming process might be the best way to proceed.
 * 3) Rank Order Ideas: Ranking the brainstorming results helps to focus a team's efforts to find workable solutions to the issue at hand.

Sometimes it is obvious how to prioritize the ideas and this step can be done on the fly. In other cases, the complexity and scope of the issue is such that additional tools may be required to complete this phase. Two tools that we often use are: The Nominal Group Technique and the Prioritization Matrix.




 * Brainstorming Seven Ideas**

Creative spaces don't judge. They let the ideas flow, so that people can build on each other and foster great ideas. You never know where a good idea is going to come from, the key is make everyone feel like they can say the idea on their mind and allow others to build on it.
 * 1. Defer judgment**

Questions are encouraged to clarify ideas.

Wild ideas can often give rise to creative leaps. In thinking about ideas that are wacky or out there we tend to think about what we really want without the constraints of technology or materials. We can then take those magical possibilities and perhaps invent new technologies to deliver them.
 * 2. Encourage wild ideas**

We say embrace the most out-of-the-box notions and //build build build...//

Being positive and building on the ideas of others take some skill. In conversation, we try to use //and// instead of //but//...
 * 3. Build on the ideas of others**

We try to keep the discussion on target, otherwise you can diverge beyond the scope of what we're trying to design for.
 * 4. Stay focused on the topic**

Always think about the challenge topic and how this could apply.
 * 5. One conversation at a time**

In live brainstorms we use coloured markers to write on Post-its that are put on a wall. Nothing gets an idea across faster than drawing it. Doesn’t matter how terrible of a sketcher you are! It's all about the idea behind your sketch.
 * 6. Be visual**

Does the idea of someone else excite you? Maybe make them an image to go with their idea.

Aim for as many new ideas as possible. In a good session, up to 100 ideas are generated in 60 minutes. Crank the ideas out quickly.
 * 7. Go for quantity**

(Source OpenIDEO)