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Brainstorming is perhaps one of the most commonly used techniques for generating a large number of ideas in a short period of time. Whilst it can be done individually, it is more often practiced in groups. Before a brainstorming session begins, the leader or facilitator encourages everyone to contribute as many ideas as possible, no matter how irrelevant or absurd they may seem. There should be lots of large sheets of paper, Post-It notes and/or flip charts available, so that any ideas generated can be written down in such a way that everyone present can see them. The Rules of Brainstorming The facilitator should explain the purpose of the brainstorming session (outline the problem/s), and emphasise the four rules of brainstorming that must be adhered to:1. Absolutely no criticism of suggestion or person is allowed. Positive feedback for all ideas should be encouraged.2. The aim is to produce as many ideas as possible.3. The aim is to generate a sense of creative momentum. There should be a feeling of excitement in the group with ideas being produced at a rapid pace. All ideas should be encouraged, regardless of how irrelevant, 'stupid' or 'off the mark' they might seem.4. Ideas should cross-fertilise each other, in other words everyone should continually look at the suggestions of the rest of the group and see if these spark any new ideas. Each person is then feeding off the ideas of the others.
Brainstorming is a group or individual creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its member(s). The term was popularized by Alex Faickney Osborn in the1953 book Applied Imagination. Osborn claimed that brainstorming was more effective than individuals working alone in generating ideas, although more recent research has questioned this conclusion.Today, the term is used as a catch all for all group ideation sessions.
Following these two principles were his four general rules of brainstorming, established with intention to :
· reduce social inhibitions among group members,
· stimulate idea generation
· increase overall creativity of the group.
1. Focus on quantity: This rule is a means of enhancing divergent production, aiming to facilitate problem solving through the maxim quantity breeds quality. The assumption is that the greater the number of ideas generated, the greater the chance of producing a radical and effective solution.
2. Withhold criticism: In brainstorming, criticism of ideas generated should be put 'on hold'. Instead, participants should focus on extending or adding to ideas, reserving criticism for a later 'critical stage' of the process. By suspending judgment, participants will feel free to generate unusual ideas.
3. Welcome unusual ideas: To get a good and long list of ideas, unusual ideas are welcomed. They can be generated by looking from new perspectives and suspending assumptions. These new ways of thinking may provide better solutions.
4. Combine and improve ideas: Good ideas may be combined to form a single better good idea, as suggested by the slogan "1+1=3". It is believed to stimulate the building of ideas by a process of association.
Engaging the right team member mix is the key factor.to obtain needed results of brainstorming team member diversification is important.
Seeing the issue from different perspectives which ensures more stable resolutions.
A group OR individual problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group.
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