by Caryl TehÂ
We’re back with 5 more tips on Brainstorming Techniques. If you missed the first part, click here to read Part 1.
6. Round-robin brainstorming
In a round-robin brainstorm, every member of the meeting participates, contributing one idea to the brainstorm. The first rule is that the group has to make it around the whole room at least once before anyone can contribute a second idea or criticize, elaborate on, or discuss any of the ideas. The second rule is that no one can say, âMy idea was already said.â You can come back to that person at the end when theyâve had more time to think. Itâs also a good idea to give the team some time to prepare ideas before the brainstorm meeting.
Like rapid ideation, this technique encourages (read: requires) everyone to participate and allows the team members to get all of their ideas out before moving on to the critique phase of the brainstorm.
7. Step-ladder technique
The step-ladder technique, while a bit complex, is a great way to make sure the group isnât heavily influenced by the first few ideas or by the loudest people in the room.
To use the step-ladder technique, a facilitator first introduces the brainstorming topic and then everyone leaves the room except for two people. Those two brainstorm together for a few minutes before a third person comes back into the room. The third person shares some of their ideas, before discussing the ideas that the first two discussed. Individuals return to the room one by one, sharing their ideas before learning about the other ideas that have been discussed.
Outside the room, the other teammates can either continue to brainstorm and write down ideas or go back to individual work, but they should not discuss their ideas with anyone until they are inside the room.
If your group is too big, youâre better off going with a simpler technique, as the step-ladder technique takes some time.
8. Mind mapping
Sometimes, the first idea shared with the group isnât the right idea, but it sparks three better ideasâthatâs where mind mapping comes in. In this technique, the group starts with one idea and then draws lines connecting sub-ideas to the first one. Mind mapping is a visual way to approach brainstorms and can be helpful for those who think visually.
9. Starbursting
Starbursting is a later-stage brainstorming technique that can be implemented when a group has already selected an idea to elaborate upon and potentially execute.
In a starburst brainstorming session, your team will start with an idea or challenge at the center and then create a six-point star around it. Each point represents a question: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For example, who is this product targeting? When would be a good time to launch it? What is our motivation for creating this product?
Because it focuses on questions rather than answers, starbursting encourages the group to examine an idea from every angle. Presenting an idea in this way frees the person who generated the idea from having to defend it or figure out how to execute it on their own. Instead, the team works on solutions together.
10. Change of scenery
Moving your brainstorm outside to a casual lunch place or even a different floor in your building can help get new ideas flowing. Physical space plays a big part in how employees work, think, and feel. When a team is constantly brainstorming together in the same room, with the same group of people, the brainstorms may feel repetitive and uninspiring. The change of scenery provided by a brand-new space, even for a short period of time, can help people think differently and devise new ideas.
Source: We Work
