 |
Advanced Brainstorming TechniquesThere are times when advanced brainstorming techniques are needed and will greatly enhance the idea generation.Brainstorming with a Large AudienceBrainstorming with a large group requires some techniques to make everyone feel they are part of the process, collect everyone's ideas, and be able to share those ideas as quickly as possible with the whole group. If it is possible to collect all the ideas electronically using computers that is ideal. Each participant can type in their ideas as fast as they can type (tell everyone not to be concerned with spelling and grammar), quantity is more important than quality for a first round. If the technology is not available, have handouts and use brainwriting, word chaining , or individual mind maps. Have everyone sign their sheets to generate pride in their contributions. Staff members or volunteers can combine all the results. Announce the number of ideas generated and combine them into one large mind map or a list by categories. Second Level BrainstormingFor follow on sessions after an original brainstorming session, start where you left off by sharing the results and categories of ideas from the previous session. Then you have a number of options.Option 1: If you have enough participants, divide the categories and give each small team one of the categories to brainstorm further. Give them open ended questions related to the category to get the creative juices flowing. Option 2: If there is too small a group to divide up, choose one category at a time and explore and brainstorm first to generate open ended questions for that category. Then start brainstorming the category further by exploring each of the open ended questions. If something comes up that fits one of the other categories put a star next to it to be added later to that other category. Option 3: Share the prior results explaining that it is just the beginning. Start with some on-your-own brainstorming first and then bring all the ideas together by clustering or mind mapping with the ones from the previous session and keep right on generating more ideas. Remote Brainstorming OnlineIt is more difficult but not impossible to brainstorm with a team of people who are not physically in the same location.If possible, schedule a web conference. Pass the input control around so each has it for 5 minutes or some specified time during which they ask open ended questions related to the subject while everyone else submits ideas. If you need to work remotely and not at the same time, start an online mind map using one of the mind mapping software programs and open it for additions from all participants. Reorganize the ideas as needed but not until there are plenty there. The ideas will flow more quickly if they don't spend much time thinking about where it goes in the map. Use a mind mapping program that the whole team has learned how to use and add items as they occur instead of waiting till someone else gets around to typing them. Brainstorming connected to an activity or observationWhat if you need to observe customers using your product or service or try something out yourself as part of the brainstorming?This is an excellent opportunity to catch all the ideas as they occur. Use recording devices if speaking out-loud will not disturb the process or inhibit others from coming up with their own ideas. Otherwise have forms or blank mind maps or just pads of paper ready. Emphasize the importance of getting every idea written down before it has any chance of being forgotten or over ruled in their own mind. Return from advanced brainstorming to brainstorming-that-works home page
|
