Starbursting

Starbursting is a form of brainstorming that focuses on generating questions rather than answers. It can be used iteratively, with further layers of questioning about the answers to the initial set of questions.

For example, a team member suggests a new design of ice skating boot. One question you ask might be “Who is the customer?” Answer: "Skaters". But you need to go further than this to ensure that you target your promotions accurately: “What kind of skaters?” Answer: "Those who do a lot of jumping, who need extra support", and so on. This would help focus the marketing, for example to competition ice dancers and figure skaters, rather than ice rinks that buy boots to hire out to the general public.

How to Use the Tool

The best way to see the power of this simple but effective technique is to think of a product, challenge or issue to work on, and follow these steps:

• Step 1 Take a large sheet of paper, draw a large six-pointed star in the middle, and write your idea, product or challenge in the centre.

• Step 2 Write the words "Who", "What", "Why," "Where," "When," and "How" at the tip of each point of the star.

• Step 3 Brainstorm questions about the idea or product starting with each of these words. The questions radiate out from the central star. Don't try to answer any of the questions as you go along. Instead, concentrate on thinking up as many questions as you can.

• Step 4 Depending on the scope of the exercise, you may want to have further starbursting sessions to explore the answers to these initial questions further.

Figure 1 below shows some of the questions you might generate in a short starbursting session, focused on the skates mentioned above.

Figure 1 – Starbursting Diagram for a New Product

Source: http://www.mindtools.com