The term brainstorming is often used in the modern vocabulary. We find ourselves sprinkling this term here and there in conversations. But do you know the depths of the actual concept of brainstorming? The term and concept are deep and have more to them than we know. This article covers it all.
What Is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a creative thinking method that is designed for teams to generate ideas to solve clearly defined design problems. In a suitable thinking environment, the team sits down and to work out the “How might we” question for one or more problems. This is like the modern definition of brainstorming.
But Alex F. Osborne in 1939, defined brainstorming as a method of thinking up solutions, concepts, ideas in problem-solving. According to him, it is a technique that uses the ‘brain to storm the ideas’ or solutions to a particular problem. And we can surely say that this is actually a base to the modern concept of brainstorming.
Why and When to Use Brainstorming?
The process of creativity is always not easy. There are problems of fear, criticism, lack of solutions for subsequent problems, and many more. Another issue is that the capacity of a single person is limited. No matter however hard one works, but sometimes, what the problem needs is a team and not just a single person.
Furthermore, people tend to judge new ideas. Anything that is ‘out of the box’ is seen as wild or absurd. So, an appropriate tool is required to take creative thinking in the right direction. And a very effective tool is brainstorming.
Brainstorming combines a relaxed and informal approach for problem-solving by lateral thinking. It even encourages people to come up with more ideas no matter how crazy these may sound at first. And, it is always better to tame the wilder ideas instead of giving into the claws of problems or barriers.
How Is Brainstorming Done?
Brainstorming is usually done in groups. But it can also be done individually. There are three basic steps for using this creativity tool. These can be modified a bit as per individual or group brainstorming.
The three basic steps of group brainstorming are:
Preparing the Group
This simply means that you have to put a group of people in the same room in a friendly and easy to talk environment. Everyone should be comfortable so that they are able to express their ideas and opinions without the fear of being judged.
Present The Problem
This means clearly stating the problem along with the criteria for the solution that you’re looking for. Also, give the team members some time to think about ideas and solutions. Then give them chance to speak out. Give everyone equal opportunity to spill out their ideas.
A Guided Group-Discussion
After everyone has presented their ideas, start a group discussion in a very guided and subtle manner. The atmosphere should be calm and friendly and the aim should be to refine all the ideas, maybe combine a few of them into a single unit, and reach a common solution to the problem.
Concept of Individual Brainstorming
Although group brainstorming seems to be more productive because of more people, individual brainstorming sessions tend to give more results. This is because sometimes handling a group of people can be fussy. The rules might disappear and the aim can get lost between the talks or arguments.
Moreover, you don’t have to be afraid of presenting or jotting down your ideas when you are on your own. The steps are a bit different for the individual brainstorming sessions.
Understand the problem clearly and set up some criteria for the solution that you want.
Give yourself some time to think and write down all the ideas that pop into your head. Even if they sound wild and crazy, write all of them down.
Now think of the pros and cons of all the ideas that you’ve written down. Refine the ideas which need to be and club the ideas together, if needed. This will help you to reach a proper solution to your problem.
In case you learn better with the help of examples, here is an insightful example of individual brainstorming
Some Constraints to Brainstorming
On paper, it might seem easy to just brainstorm and find a solution. But positivity cannot be defined without the presence of negativity. Similarly, there are some barriers that can stop you from reaching the solution.
Do not rank ideas on any basis. Just by the capacity of the person who gave it or by your assessment ability, you cannot say if an idea is good or not so good. The true potential of an idea is not so easy to measure. So, it is better to see all the ideas as equals.
Before you actually try them out, no idea is more important than others. So, the execution of each idea should receive equal attention and dedication.
Do not try to come up or suggest the best solution. Instead, think about all the possible ideas or solutions.
As per most of the experts, these three can be the biggest constraints to an effective brainstorming exercise. So, make take care of these in your brainstorming sessions.
Conclusion
Brainstorming is a great way to unleash the thinking ability and creativity of your brain. The procedure should be closely followed so that the brainstorming sessions are more effective and productive. This will also ensure that you make the most out of the dedicated time and come up with the best possible result altogether.
Brainstorming is also key to building a strong business model, which is the foundation of any business. Check out this beginners’ guide on a business model
Written By - Neha Kundu
Edited By - Kashish Chadha
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