Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a group problem-solving method that involves people from diversified field of knowledge discussing together in an intensive and freewheeling manner, to generate creative ideas and solutions. General Brainstorming is where team of people gather together (in online or physical environment), discuss about the problem statement and come up with ideas of solution.
Advertising executive Alex Osborn first coined the term - Brainstorming, in 1941 when he found that traditional business meetings weren’t the ideal setting to share new ideas. He wanted a way to give people the freedom to think outside of the box without fear of criticism. He established four rules of effective brainstorming, with the intention of fostering a collaborative environment that promoted creative and ridiculous ideas by enabling people to think in new and unique ways.
1. Focus on quantity: Rather than trying to think of one grand idea, work toward quantity to come up with as many ideas as possible. This method will give more options to choose from and can inspire others to think of new ideas.
2. Withhold criticism: Removing criticism from the equation creates an environment to freely share thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment for it being considered “wrong” or “stupid.”
3. Welcome unusual ideas: Welcoming unconventionality to a brainstorm session promotes an open space for creativity, and adds to the number of ideas shared.
4. Combine and improve ideas: Combine concepts to create new solutions. Evaluate each idea to determine which are feasible, innovative, and best suited to accomplish your goal.
Later on, a few more rules were added to make brainstorming effective:
5. Plan the session in advance: Brainstorming is an intense activity, relying on creative thinking of the participants. In order to ensure that everyone is at his/her best, plan the session in advance, so that people come prepared.
6. Gather Diverse group: A brainstorming session should consist of people from diverse group - with different disciplines and thinking styles.
7. Adhere to the Problem statement: Though the ideas are encouraged to be wide and creative, it must be aligned to the problem statement. Therefore, the problem statement should be clearly laid out in front of the group, throughout the session.
8. Write down the ideas, where everyone can see: Ideas should be put on a whiteboard or any tool, where everyone can see it. This helps to trigger thoughts in the participants to come up with more creative ideas, or build over the existing ideas. Use Visual wherever possible.
9. Do not finalize or commit: Never finalize or commit during the brainstorming session. This helps to retain focus on generation of ideas, rather than evaluation.
10. Guide the discussion: A brainstorming session must be guided by a facilitator, who can ensure adherence to the above rules throughput the session.
Special brainstorming
