Brainstorming is a method that teams use to generate ideas to solve a specific problem. The brainstorming technique enables ideas to spread in all directions. Although teams have rules and a moderator to guide them, unconventional and lateral thinking is encouraged. When a team works in a non-judgmental environment, rough solutions are more likely to be produced that will later be refined into a potential solution. Through brainstorming, teams can apply many approaches – the more, the merrier!
Brainstorming Techniques
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is one of the most commonly used brainstorming methods. It enables thinking without worrying about structure and order. A mind map consists of concepts that are connected and arranged around a central idea. Mind mapping encourages creativity and helps visualize a problem or topic in an intuitive way. This method allows for easier connection and organization of ideas and often leads to new insights and solutions that might otherwise not have been noticed by standard approaches.
Personal Idea Pad Quadrant
The Personal Idea Quadrant is a brainstorming technique that helps solve problems by combining different perspectives. The problem is divided into four quadrants:
- Challenge – define a problem or a goal.
- Solutions – list ideas that you have already thought of or tried.
- Role (What would the person do?) – think about who could solve the problem (e.g., an expert or a famous person) and what that person would do.
- Bottom Line – summarize the problem in one word or phrase.
After that, there is a combination of ideas from different quadrants to come up with new, unconventional solutions.
Brainwriting
Brainwriting is an effective brainstorming technique in which participants write down ideas anonymously and then pass the paper to the next team member, who builds on or adds a new idea. After several rounds, the moderator reviews all ideas and selects the best for further discussion. This method allows for free expression because no one knows who gave which idea, thus encouraging creativity.
On the other hand, brainwalking works similarly, but with the addition of physical movement. Participants walk between the papers hanging on the wall and add their ideas. This approach not only makes ideas public but also creates new energy as the team thinks on the move.
Stepladder Technique
The stepladder technique ensures that individual contributions are fairly heard and prevents more experienced or louder team members from dominating. After the team leader asks a question, all but two members leave the room. The rest discuss the topic, while the others outside the room write down their own ideas. Gradually, members return one by one, presenting their ideas before discussing the group’s proposals.
The Five Why’s
Five Why’s Analysis, developed by Sakichi Toyoda in the 1950s, helps uncover the root cause of a problem by asking the question “Why?” until you get to the core of the problem. The goal is to find a countermeasure that prevents the problem from recurring. The process includes gathering the team, choosing a moderator, defining the problem, and asking the successive question “Why?” until the cause is found, followed by corrective action.
Brainstorming Rules
Although brainstorming can seem to lack constraints, participants should follow certain rules:
- Set a time limit – this usually ranges between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the problem.
- Avoid judgment – negative reactions to ideas are not allowed.
- Define the goal – clearly formulate the question or problem and maintain focus.
- Aim for quantity – more ideas lead to better quality; the idea-sorting process comes later.
- Build on others’ ideas – expand on others’ thoughts by using “and” instead of “but.”
- Encourage creative ideas – create a space for free expression without criticism.
Brainstorming is an effective idea-generation technique that encourages creativity and collaboration within teams. Relying on free thinking and open communication, allows participants to explore a variety of approaches to problem solving. By following basic rules, such as avoiding judgment and encouraging quantity, teams can come up with innovative solutions and new insights.
