Brainstorming Tips

Ideation is the art of coming up with many possible solutions to a problem. One strategy to quickly come up with a ton of ideas is through a brainstorm. Keep these hints in mind to ensure a successful session.

1) Allow for individual reflection.

Allow individuals to come up with ideas even before getting together as a group. This will result in more ideas and increase the quality of the ideas. Additionally, pause periodically during the session for reflection.

2) Don't judge ideas

Use language like "and" not "but".

3) Encourage wild ideas.

There is a fine difference between crazy and brilliant.

4) Build off ideas

Once the brainstorm is complete, we must narrow down our ideas into a select few, or just one idea that we'll move forward with. Decide as a group what criteria should decide the best idea, and ask your group to vote.

Success!

Just remember, brainstorming is something we can learn and get better at. Over time, it will feel more natural.

Oh, and a final thought...brainstorming should be fun!