BRAINSTORMING

brainstorming

It is a technique, generally used in a group setting, to quickly generate many ideas about a specific problem or topic.

mind mapping

This is a visual tool for enhancing the brainstorm process. In essence, you’re drawing a picture of the relationships among and between ideas.

5 whys

Start with a problem you’re addressing and ask “why is this happening?” Once you have some answers, ask “why does this happen?” Continue the process five times (or more), digging deeper each time until you’ve come to the root of the issue.

figure storming

Choose a person from history or fiction with whom everyone is familiar with. What would that individual do to manage the challenge or opportunity you’re discussing? How might that figure’s approach work well or poorly?

Reverse brainstorming

It asks participants to come up with great ways to cause a problem. Start with the problem and ask “how could we cause this? Once you have a list of great ways to cause problems, you’re ready to start solving them.

brain writing

This process involves having each participant anonymously write down ideas on index cards. The ideas can then be randomly shared with other participants who add to or critique the ideas.

rapid ideation

Ask the individuals in your group to write down as many ideas as they can in a given period. Then either have them share their ideas aloud or collect responses. Often, you’ll find certain ideas popping up over and over again; in some cases, these are the obvious ideas, but in some cases, they may provide some revelations.

gap filling

Start with a statement of where you are. Then write a statement of where you’d like to be. How can you fill in the gap to get to your goal? Your participants will respond with a wide range of answers from general to particular. Collect them all, and then organize them to develop a vision for action.

reverse thinking

This creative approach asks, “what would someone else do in our situation?” Then imagine doing the opposite. Would it work? Why or why not? Does the “usual” approach really work well, or are there better options?