Brainstorms

Description

Brainstorming is generating ideas in a group environment to answer a specific question or canvas ideas for a particular need. Brainstorms are best run by a facilitator who can frame the session, encourage participation, document the ideas and ensure everyone is on board with the rules of the brainstorm. There are seven brainstorming rules* we run through for every session:

1. Defer judgement - there are no bad ideas at this point. There will be plenty of time to judge ideas later.
2. Encourage wild ideas - it's the wild ideas that often provide the breakthroughs
3. Build on the ideas of others - think in terms of 'and' rather than 'but'; if you dislike someone's idea, challenge yourself to build on it and make it better
4. Stay focused on topic - you get better output if everyone is disciplined
5. Be visual - try to engage the left and right side of the brain
6. One conversation at a time - allow ideas to be heard and built upon
7. Go for quantity - set an outrageous goal for number of ideas and surpass it - remember there's no need to make a lengthy case for your idea since no one is judging. Ideas should flow quickly.

Value

• When facilitated with discipline and intent, brainstorms are very fruitful and yeild lots of ideas in a short space of time
• Creates an environment that supports uninhibited thinking, with the intention of being free from preconceptions and constraints
• When run effectively, brainstorms are fun, inspiring and assist with bringing teams together

Further Reading

*Inspired by IDEO's brainstorming rules - http://www.ideo.com/