Taking a Pause: The Art of Brainstorming

A popular and effective method for solving problems creatively that deviates from strict, methodical thought processes is brainstorming. Before you start your first brainstorming session, there are a few crucial lessons to understand. While it may be entertaining to use large sheets of paper and colored markers, it's crucial to be ready and structured to maximize the effectiveness of your upcoming brainstorming session. Understanding Idea Development vs. Idea Extension ~ Renowned psychologist Keith Sawyers writes in an article for The New Yorker that "decades of research have consistently shown that brainstorming groups think of far fewer ideas than the same number of people who work alone and later pool their ideas." Rather than pressuring participants to come up with fresh ideas, brainstorming sessions should be an opportunity for them to share their thoughts on a preexisting concept. Establishing a clear objective at the start of the session—for example, "Find ten ways to improve the website for users"—will encourage participants to utilize their imagination to develop a concept into a workable solution. Expanding on an idea that has already been generated during brainstorming offers the session direction and structure because creativity is a sensitive process that cannot be forced. Asking participants to come up with ideas on their own before sharing them with the group is a great idea. Use Criticism with Caution ~   While some think criticism has no place during a brainstorming session, Cliff Kuang of Fast Company feels that it is an essential component of the creative process. Actually, both points of view are valid. In order to improve a concept, identify its weak points, and draw attention to possible issues, criticism is essential. To prevent deterring participants from contributing freely, it is crucial that criticism in a brainstorming session stay positive and not criticize an idea or suggestion. Alternatively, you may choose to forbid any kind of criticism and, to quote someone else, "let the creative juices flow." Critique, however, may be a very helpful tool when it comes to developing practical answers after brainstorming. So you’ve brainstormed, now what? (Source: Google Images)  You would think that if you put in time and effort during a brainstorming session, the new ideas would eventually be implemented, but this is not always the case. The most common brainstorming error is failing to include a structure for incorporating fresh concepts into the process. Even while not every concept generated during a brainstorming session works, the ones that do should be implemented right away to avoid being overlooked or forgotten. Writing down a synopsis of the brainstorming session right away is a useful strategy. Sort, rank, and assign ideas to team members who will develop the winning concepts into pilots or prototypes. Recall that creating a framework for executing ideas is necessary for them to be helpful; brainstorming is just the first step. New Brainstorming Techniques ~ (Source: Google Images) If you find your current brainstorming format is not really giving the right results, then try one of these techniques by 'mindtools' ~ The Stepladder Technique: This method integrates participants into a brainstorming session one by one, and helps to prevent members from getting overpowered by louder group members. Reverse Brainstorming: This tool starts with a current problem and tries to trace back to the root of the problem. This is especially helpful when it’s difficult to identify solutions to a specific problem. Rolestorming: This is a really helpful technique to look at problems from several angles. During a brainstorming session, the group, or an individual, will take on the role of a competitor, customer, or colleague and will brainstorm on the idea from their perspective (i.e. what are their challenges, needs, values?) Whether you utilize brainstorming for integrated issue solution or casual talk, it's a useful technique to unleash creativity. Brainstorming is only ever going to be useful if you are organized and focused. Now that you have the necessary equipments, go brainstorm!