Brainstorming Resources
Brainstorming is an ideation technique for coming up with many possible solutions to a given problem. While brainstorming, you’re in divergent thinking mode, which is a generative, open, and creative mindset that can help you get to innovative solutions. Of course, the more diverse the experiences and perspectives of the people around the table, the richer the results of your brainstorming efforts.
Brainstorming is a muscle that you can build through practice. Explore the tips, techniques, and recommendations we’ve gathered from IDEO experts to help take your brainstorming skills to the next level.
Brainstorming is a muscle that you can build through practice. Explore the tips, techniques, and recommendations we’ve gathered from IDEO experts to help take your brainstorming skills to the next level.
How to Plan for a Brainstorm Session
If you’re wondering how to set up a brainstorm, think about the meeting in three phases. Get the most out of everyone’s time by planning ahead.
- PHASE 1—SETUP1. Frame a question grounded in an insight to guide the group’s thinking.
2. Share inspiration and insights from competitive and analogous research.
3. Embrace a mindset of curiosity, using the rules of brainstorming as a guide. - PHASE 2—FACILITATION1. Loosen people up with a creative warm-up
2. Start with heads-down individual brainstorming.
3. Share ideas as a group and build on each other’s concepts. - PHASE 3—FOLLOW UP1. Group ideas into buckets or themes.
2. Vote on your favorite ideas.
3. Define next steps and action items.
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12 Brainstorming & Ideation Methods
Brainstorming is just one way to come up with ideas. It’s great for group settings, but there are many other ways to generate ideas. Here are a few methods to try:
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1. Mash-up
Bring odd or unexpected things together to spark fresh ideas. Download the Mash-up Activity Worksheet. -
2. E-storming
Send an email prompt to collect ideas from friends or coworkers. -
3. Other People’s Shoes
Roleplay or draw a storyboard of your challenge from the perspective of a specific persona. -
4. Idea Wall
Put up a prompt in a public place along with sticky notes and sharpies and collect ideas several days later. -
5. Prototyping
Try making a quick mockup of an idea to see what you can learn. -
6. Analogous Interviews
Speak to people in different industries who might have a different perspective on your challenge. -
7. Rapid Ideation
Limit yourself to 10 or 15 minutes and focus on coming up with as many ideas as possible. -
8. Sketching
Instead of words, use drawings and images to share ideas and activate a different part of your brain. -
9. Observation
Watch how people engage with a product or service to gain a new perspective and uncover hidden challenges or opportunities. -
10. Surveying
Wondering what your customers might like? Ask them with a survey to kick off an ideation session and set aside assumptions. -
11. Constraints
Try putting different limitations on your brainstorming prompt to push your thinking. -
12. Silent Brainstorming
Gather a group and share a prompt, but forgo discussion and instead have everyone write down ideas on sticky notes.
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