C O N C E P T U A L I S A T I O N
Brainstorming

1. Revisit your design challenge

Decide whether you want to focus on the wider design challenge you found during research or insights consolidation steps. It can also be used to brainstorm desire statements. Make sure your challenge is framed as a “How might we...” question

2. Agree on ground-rules

   • Time box It is best to time box this activity and try to produce as many ideas as possible within this limit.

   • Defer judgment All participants should feel comfortable expressing themselves and not be afraid of being judged.

   • Go for volume This exercise is about quantity over quality. Go as far and wacky as possible. The strangest ideas may provide a spark for a more feasible option.

   • Stay on topic It may be appealing to go off topic when brainstorming collectively – but it is crucial to keep the purpose of the exercise in focus while staying open-minded and creative.

   • Encourage wild ideas Try to create an environment where you welcome unconventional thoughts.

   • Be visual Do not hold back from writing / drawing your thoughts on paper – visualisation can evolve the session and lead to more perspectives.

3. Brainstorm ideas to address the design challenge

Write down any ideas that come to mind that address your design challenge.

4. Group ideas together

Use this space to group similar ideas from the brainstorm. Each group should have a title that describes what the ideas have in common. If a group is bigger than six sticky notes, try and see if you and break it up into smaller sub-groups.