Brainstorming
WHAT IT IS
Brainstorming is a group creativity technique used to find a solution to a specific problem. This is achieved by gathering and recording new ideas from team members in a fluid way.
This activity helps to foster and harness the creativity of individuals into collective intelligence, which is more effective than the sum of its parts.
WHEN TO USE
This tool should be used once we have a clear focus and understanding of the challenge we are going to face. In addition, it is important to ensure that we get the team to work in an environment that helps to foster creativity.
WHY IT IS USEFUL
Brainstorming allows people to think more freely, without fear of judgement. It encourages open and continuous collaboration to solve problems and generate innovative ideas and helps teams generate a wealth of ideas quickly, which can be refined and merged to create the ideal solution.
HOW LONG
2 hours.
THE PROCESS
The brainstorming activity has to steps: Diverging and Converging and they can be repeated several times in a loop process.
STEP 1: Diverging: Brainstorming (30-45 min)
In this part of the process, the team has to write down all the ideas they can imagine to address the innovation focus. You have to follow these four rules:
- Do not judge any idea
- It is about quantity not quality. Write down as many ideas as you might have
- Be creative, crazy ideas are welcome.
- Read other people ideas and build upon them.
STEP 2: Converging: Organizing the ideas (60-90 min)
In this part, the team organizes the ideas using a matrix with two axis (transformative and feasibility). You have to follow these rules:
- Improve the ideas
- Be affirmative
- Consider novelty
- Think about your innovation focus