What comes to mind when you hear the word “brainstorming”? Perhaps a group of individuals you used to refer to as colleagues, shouting at each other, attacking the whiteboard, and almost punching each other to gain control of the projector? Fortunately, brainstorming has a positive side: It’s a respectful method of coming up with ideas together. At least in the books on creativity, this is how it is described. So, can we make it real?.
There is no theorizing because I have already tested the three techniques described in this article with friends of mine. I hope that after reading this, you’ll be able to plan brainstorming sessions with your coworkers and clients and jointly produce something useful. For instance, suggestions for a design conference schedule or a new mobile application
It’s important to comprehend that design is relevant on a larger scale to close social divides and to create inclusive communities, in addition to being essential for solving problems on the product and experience level. Read a related article →.
Not being surprised by the similarities among all brainstorming techniques Although “rituals” vary, the essence is the same. Participants consider the topic from various angles and generate ideas. After outlining their ideas, they prioritize or sort them. It sounds simple as pie, I know, but there’s a catch. Without the rules of the game, brainstorming won’t work. It all boils down to just three crucial principles:
You must choose who will participate now that the guiding principles are clear. The quick answer is diversity. As many experts as you can, such as company owners, analysts, marketers, developers, salespeople, and actual or potential customers, should be invited. Each participant should have some connection to or interest in the topic. If not, they’ll fantasize about a subject they’ve avoided and don’t want to.
Group Brainstorming Techniques [Types of Brainstorming that Work]
Why use brainstorm facilitation?
Facilitating brainstorming sessions ensures that meetings for idea generation run smoothly and effectively. It also helps obtain these benefits:
What is brainstorm facilitation?
During a brainstorming session, leaders and managers use a process called brainstorm facilitation. To accomplish this, a welcoming atmosphere must be created, participation is encouraged, and the conversation must stay on topic and adhere to the agenda. Planning for the session and enforcing the rules help to create a safe environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas during brainstorming.
How to perform brainstorm facilitation
If you are in charge of scheduling and running a brainstorming session, you also have the duty of assisting team members in coming up with ideas while adhering to guidelines that encourage a safe environment. Follow these steps to learn how to perform brainstorm facilitation:
1. Choose who to invite
A crucial first step is selecting team members to participate in the brainstorming session. Think about the positions you need to fill for both the brainstorming process and the project that comes from it. Include anyone who might be involved in the project at any point in the process. Building a diverse team of experts is beneficial in order to produce a range of original ideas Diversity also helps gain more perspectives for brainstorming.
2. Send an itinerary
Everyone attending the meeting should receive an agenda so they can prepare. The agenda of your meeting is explained in the itinerary, which also lists the time, discussion points, and attendees. The agenda also aids in allocating time for each topic and goal, keeping the team on task throughout the meeting.
3. Create a set of rules
Establishing a secure environment where team members feel at ease sharing ideas is the responsibility of the facilitator. Establishing ground rules for the meeting—such as banning phones, allowing participants to speak only when it is their turn to speak, and being on time—can help to create this atmosphere. Encourage kindness and an open mind as well so that everyone feels included and can express themselves. It is imperative for the facilitator to uphold the rules at all times.
4. Choose methods and tools
There are numerous techniques and resources available to support brainstorming sessions. With a team, you can use free management software like MindMap to arrange ideas. There are also tools for visualizing ideas, creating agendas, and scheduling meetings.
Consider which brainstorm method is most effective for your topic. You can use flowcharts, starbursts, role plays, or group ideation as analytical, silent, hypothetical, or collaborative brainstorming techniques. Depending on the subject and objective, each of these techniques can help with brainstorming and is appropriate.
5. Begin the meeting with an exercise
It is beneficial to start meetings with brain exercises and icebreakers because they help everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed and put team members in the right frame of mind. Team members can come up with ideas and be creative by participating in improv exercises such as the “yes game,” which involves agreeing with the previous statement by saying “yes.”
Since icebreakers are great introductions, they can be used effectively with teams that are unfamiliar with one another. Icebreakers are also entertaining and imaginative ways to get team members ready for collaboration and idea generation.
6. Introduce the initial topic
After completing a brain exercise, introduce the topic for discussion. It is typical for a brainstorming session to focus on a problem that the team needs to solve for the company. Other well-liked topics for brainstorming include new products, technology, and alterations to the working environment. It’s crucial that you direct conversation as the meeting’s facilitator and stick to your schedule.
7. Ask the team to suggest questions
Asking questions related to the subject will help you focus on the issue at hand. The problem is reframed and given different perspectives by using this technique of asking team members to come up with questions for brainstorming, which is successful in coming up with a solution. As participants ask questions, jot them down on a board so that everyone can see them. Then choose one or two questions to pursue brainstorming.
8. Generate ideas and clarify them
Direct everyone to come up with ideas for solutions using the brainstorming technique you decide is best for your team and the problem you are trying to solve. By putting similar ideas together, you can make your ideas clearer as you go. Encourage your team to generate and share lots of ideas during brainstorming, keeping in mind that all ideas are welcome.
Often, visualization is an effective technique, so as the facilitator, you might use mind mapping, sketches, or writing down all the ideas on a board to help your team visualize their ideas and produce more.
9. Close the brainstorm session
A facilitator’s responsibility includes determining when to call the brainstorming session to a close. The meeting’s beginning and end are scheduled thanks to the agenda, so as the facilitator, you can simply remind participants when it is time to adjourn. Since the goal of brainstorming is idea generation, final decisions should be made after this session rather than at its conclusion.
It’s crucial to express gratitude to the group for coming and participating in brainstorming This can encourage an atmosphere where staff members feel at ease providing ideas and feedback.
10. Follow up with the team for final decisions
Take into account the suggestions the group makes, then either make your final decisions or arrange a second meeting to further discuss the best suggestions and how to put them into action. It’s a good idea to send a follow-up email to the team regarding the meeting to keep them informed of the project’s development. Include key meeting information in the follow-up, such as the objectives, specifics of the conversation, and any decisions you made during or after the brainstorming session.
Tips for how to facilitate a brainstorming session
Use the following tips to facilitate your next brainstorming session:
Have group members sit in a circle
When arranging a space for brainstorming, arrange the chairs in a circle. Team members can now face each other when speaking, which facilitates easier and more comfortable idea exchange. Roundtables can also encourage everyone to share their opinions and lessen the sense of hierarchy.
Share inspiration with the team before meeting
Before the brainstorming session, sending images, exercises, or motivational messages can boost team morale. This helps to prepare them, and if participants are feeling creative, the session may be more successful in achieving its objectives.
Schedule the brainstorming session to be brief
A sense of urgency can be created by having a limited amount of time for brainstorming, which might make your team more effective. Also keep in mind that team members will be more engaged in a quick brainstorming session. Longer sessions might exhaust workers’ imaginations, whereas a short session can encourage the wise use of creativity.
Record all the ideas
It’s a good idea to have someone in the meeting take notes on every idea the group generates. To keep your attention on facilitating the brainstorming session, you can either take on this responsibility yourself or delegate it to another participant. Writing down ideas aids in visualization and enables the team to review its concepts.
Try anonymous brainstorming
It can be helpful to give team members the option to submit ideas anonymously, especially for new teams or new members who might not feel comfortable sharing. Employees may find it difficult to express their opinions even in a welcoming environment. An option to participate and think more freely can be offered by anonymity.
FAQ
What are the 4 methods of brainstorming?
- Reverse Brainstorming. a creative approach to solving problems where the issue is reframed and viewed from a different perspective to inspire fresh ideas
- Stop-and-Go Brainstorming. …
- Phillips 66 Brainstorming. …
- Brainwriting.
Who is a facilitator in brainstorming?
A brainstorming session’s facilitator is also responsible for outlining, emphasizing, and enforcing the rules with the group. After the brainstorming session, the facilitator will assist in keeping track of the top suggestions, outline the next steps, and share insights with the business.
Does brainstorming need a facilitator?
The facilitator role is a key role in brainstorming sessions. To encourage ideas, keep the session moving forward, and keep the participants focused, a strong facilitator is required. The facilitator does not participate in the session.
How do you conduct a brainstorm session?
- Define the problem. Choosing a problem question for the brainstorming session should be the first step.
- Lay out the context and definitions. …
- Pick an appropriate facilitator. …
- Invite the right people. …
- Set the agenda. …
- Holding the session.
