Have you ever wished there was a magic button you could push for inspiration? Unfortunately, no such button exists, but with the right practices, you won’t need one!
Brainstorming is a great way to come up with new ideas and solutions on the spot. In this post, we’ll show you 10 effective brainstorming strategies that will help you solve problems and find inspiration.
Effective Brainstorming Techniques
After you’ve checked out our tips on how to brainstorm, try some of these powerful techniques for generating ideas.
1. Brainwriting
One of the most common inhibitors of group brainstorming sessions is the pressure and discomfort the more introverted team members can feel when asked to share their ideas in front of others.
(Even if you’re not particularly introverted, public speaking is still one of the most common and severe fears among Americans. The thought of sharing ideas that others could reject or scoff at makes group brainstorming an even more daunting task for many.)
Brainwriting seeks to make brainstorming more effective and inclusive by allowing participants to anonymously write down their ideas on notecards, which will then be read by a designated leader so the group can discuss.
This method also eliminates personality bias, since no one knows who wrote which idea.
2. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is an effective, nonlinear way of organizing ideas while also ensuring that you don’t miss anything. It works well for both individual and group brainstorming.
Start writing by your main problem or question in a circle in the center of a page. Use lines to branch out from that circle and connect sequences of sub-ideas and their details.
Mind mapping sparks idea generation by encouraging associations and helping your mind to navigate a vast pool of information so you can make better decisions.
Create as many branches as you want until you start to see a pattern. What sub-idea makes the most sense when it comes to carrying through on your plan?
3. Starbursting
Starbursting is a brainstorming technique that seeks to answer the questions of who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Similar to mind mapping, start by placing your idea at the center of a star with six points. Then, place one of those question stems at each point and use them to write questions that address your idea or issue.
For example, if you’re working on a new product or book, you can ask, “Who is my intended market?”
This process helps you to focus your efforts on the most important questions that are relevant to your goals. As you answer those questions, you’ll see an outline for a solid strategy begin to emerge.
4. Five Whys Analysis
The “5 Whys” analysis pushes you to challenge your assumptions and think critically to identify the bottleneck, or the root cause of a problem, so you can find effective solutions.
Start by writing down your central problem, setback, or issue. Then, ask yourself: Why is that a problem? Based on the answer to that question, ask yourself: Why is that true? Repeat that question three more times, piggybacking off of each answer.
Look for any patterns that may have emerged, and ask yourself how can you turn those questions into actionable next steps.
5. Reverse Brainstorming
Reverse brainstorming is just like reverse engineering. You start with the goal you want to achieve or the problem you want to resolve, then flip it on its head.
If you want to solve a problem, ask yourself how you could cause that problem or thwart your progress. Your responses can then be used as springboards to generate solutions by working through them backwards.
You may come up with solutions to problems you never would have imagined needing.
6. Rolestorming
If you feel like you’re out of ideas, one of the best ways to get more is to pretend you’re someone who has more.
You’ve thought of everything you can, but what if you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and considered the issue from their perspective?
That’s the driving concept behind rolestorming. Depending on the type of problem you’re trying to solve, you might imagine yourself as your customer, reader, student, or other relevant party.
Alternatively, you could ask yourself what someone you admire would do (perhaps an influential role model or someone you strive to be like).
7. Gap Filling
Gap filling requires you to evaluate where you are now versus where you want to be, and try to fill in the gaps between those two points.
You can use flowcharts or mind maps to better visualize the path from Point A to Point B and identify existing or potential gaps.
8. Eidetic Image Method
This method focuses on visualization and is based on eidetic imagery psychology, a method that helps people uncover images that have been stored in their minds for personal creative development.
Each person in a group starts by setting an intention for what they will create (perhaps a new product, or a solution to a problem).
Then, each person closes their eyes and pulls their first “eidetic” image: the status quo (whatever the current product or situation is). With that image in mind, you can start to add on your own ideas.
Think about what you would change, one step at a time. For example, if it’s a product, start with the color or design changes you would make, and keep going until you have your ideal product.
Once everyone has their final image, each person should share their version. As a team, you can combine the best (and of course, feasible) elements of each idea.
9. Change of Scenery
It’s amazing what a little change of scenery can do! If you and your team are constantly working out ideas in the same old space, brainstorming may start to feel repetitive and uninspiring.
Move your session outdoors, to another floor, or somewhere else that will give your team new energy.
10. Online Brainstorming
If you’re collaborating with coworkers or friends who are far away, try online brainstorming with collaborative tools like Google Docs.
This allows participants to add their new ideas as they come, regardless of their time zone. Plus, you can revisit older versions and see changes in real-time.
Be sure to schedule a follow-up meeting or conference call where these ideas can be adequately discussed and you can make decisions as a team.
Fun Brainstorming Methods
Sure, brainstorming usually has a goal, and in general, it should be a productive process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!
Try some of these effective brainstorming techniques with your friends, family, or colleagues to think up new ideas and solutions while flexing your creative muscles.
Do you have any brainstorming tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How to Brainstorm: Tips and Techniques for Effective Idea Generation
- Using the 3×3 Writing Process to Become a Productive Writer
- 12 Ways You Can Source Content Ideas
- 5 Great Timed Writing Exercises to Shake Up Your Creativity
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
