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Brainstorming

Brainstorming: this short article explains Brainstorming in a practical way. Next to what it is (definition and meaning), this article also highlights the techniques, tricks and tips. Enjoy reading!

Brainstorming: this short article explains Brainstorming in a practical way. Next to what it is (definition and meaning), this article also highlights the techniques, tricks and tips. Enjoy reading!

What is brainstorming?

Definition and meaning

Different meanings are given to brainstorming. Fundamentally brainstorming is a technique for design thinking. By collecting and sharing ideas, a group tries to reach a conclusion for a specific problem or topic. The way in which a brainstorm method session is designed depends on the goal.

However, all forms allow people to think more freely and to present more spontaneous ideas. The term was popularized by Alex Faickney Osborn in 1967.

This technique is especially effective when used as part of problem solving, for example, to fix design errors in a prototype. By asking questions that start with “how could we …”, the group produces a wide variety of ideas and makes connections to come up with possible solutions. All ideas are written down without criticism and evaluated after the first round.

To break cognitive bias, this technique should be about asking questions rather than finding answers. However, it is not obvious for people to remain in a question mode, as from an early age people are conditioned to come up with answers.

Brainstorming is very popular in the business world and is used in various work forms. Brainwriting is a non-verbal way of brainstorming in which ideas are written on a piece of paper and supplemented by everyone.

Another method of this technique, Brain Dumping, can be applied in both individual and group context. The SCAMPER model creates a structured approach to creative thinking. It is designed to make the user think and ask questions based on every letter in the SCAMPER acronym.

Pitfall

One danger of using this method is that confident individuals set the tone for the session, with dominant ideas that make the voice of others less heard. This challenge is removed by applying the Round-Robin Brainstorming method. The principles behind Rolestorming and Starbursting also counteract this phenomenon.

All of the above techniques can be performed in different work forms. Popular methods include: online, offline, in groups, individual, verbal, non-verbal and more.

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Tips and tricks

What are the best known brainstorming techniques? How can I use these tools to stimulate creativity or solve problems? Is this technique right for me? What does a typical session look like? Could it be a good idea to introduce brainstorming sessions at my workplace? The articles linked to brainstorming are about different brainstorming styles, brainstorming methods and creativity.

SCAMPER Technique: the basics and example questions

April 18th, 2025

SCAMPER Technique: This article describes the SCAMPER Technique by Bob Eberle method in a practical way. In addition to explaining the acronym, this article also highlights the brainstorming technique, how to apply this method and sample questions to get started…

Reverse Brainstorming explained

April 14th, 2025

Reverse Brainstorming: this article describes the Reverse Brainstorming method in a practical way. After reading you will understand the definition, meaning and basics of this powerful brainstorming and creativity tool. What is Reverse Brainstorming? Old-fashioned brainstorming is a creative thinking…

Reframing Matrix (Morgan)

April 14th, 2025

Reframing Matrix: in this article you will find a practical explanation of the Reframing Matrix, developed by Michael Morgan. Next to what it is, this article also highlights how to use it, the role of brainstorming, the background of…

Rick Griggs biography and books

March 31st, 2025

Rick Griggs is a guru in the area of personal development and effectiveness. Rick Griggs is also the founder of the famous ‘out of the box’ brainstorming technique Rolestorming. The biography of Rick Griggs He holds Bachelor’s Degrees in…

Rolestorming (Griggs)

March 31st, 2025

This article explains Rolestorming by Rick Griggs in a practical way. After reading you will understand the basics of this powerful effectiveness tool. Rolestorming While during information-gathering meetings it is about the quality of the submitted ideas, in brainstorming…

The Stepladder Technique

March 29th, 2025

The Stepladder Technique: this article provides a practical explanation of The Stepladder Technique. After reading, you’ll have a better understanding of how you can encourage individual participation in group decisions while using creativity. What is the Stepladder Technique?…
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