Brainstorming rules
1. Focus on quantity
You’ve likely heard the phrase “quality over quantity,” but when it comes to brainstorming, the exact opposite is true. The more ideas, the merrier.
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 you more options to choose from and can inspire others to think of new ideas. Not every idea is going to be great, but one bad idea may lead to several good ones.
In the end, the more ideas shared, the more likely it is that there will be more useful ideas to work from.
2. Withhold criticism
Negativity has no place in a brainstorming session. No one idea is better than another and criticizing ideas limits how many ideas are shared directly contesting Osborn’s first rule of quantity over quality.
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.”
When people no longer fear criticism, they are more likely to not only share more ideas but share fun and ridiculous ideas. Unusual ideas are key to brainstorming and need to be heard.
3. Welcome unusual ideas
Encourage every idea to be expressed, no matter how bizarre. Unique, unusual, and even eccentric ideas, while not always feasible, can spark innovative solutions that you haven’t thought of previously.
Welcoming unconventionality to a brainstorm session promotes an open space for creativity, and adds to the number of ideas shared.
“It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one.” —Alex Osborn
4. Combine and improve ideas
Build on ideas. Obviously, your team won’t be able to accomplish every idea, but you can use those for inspiration.
Combine concepts to create new solutions. Evaluate each idea to determine which are feasible, innovative, and best suited to accomplish your goal. Piggyback on those ideas, suggest improvements or similar alternatives. No one idea is infallible. Even if it isn’t your original idea, that doesn’t mean that you can’t help make it better.
Say you and your team are brainstorming ways to help users onboard with your product more efficiently. One idea shared is to add tips and tools into the product dashboard. That idea gives someone else the idea to create a conversational wizard that walks users through the product.
Building on the ideas shared will help find the best solution to the goal or problem.
Brainstorming methods
Since its inception, brainstorming has taken the world by storm (pun intended). Everyone everywhere uses brainstorming techniques to get the creative juices flowing. Now there are numerous methods for running more effective brainstorming sessions, including:
- Mind mapping
- 5 Whys analysis
- Brainwriting
- Rolestorming
- Starbursting
- Rapid ideation
If you want to experiment with more advanced methods, check out these popular brainstorming techniques.
There are many ways to go about brainstorming. Whether you are partial to lists or are more of a visual thinker, brainstorming becomes a seamless and more effective process when you organize your thoughts in Lucidchart.
