Brainstorming

by Valerie Williams
Download: Audio Podcast

Brainstorming seems like the simplest thing to do - think of some ideas. But thinking, true thinking requires discipline - and practice. Brainstorming can be done individually or in groups and is an excellent way to generate new ideas, think creatively, focus ideas, and renew the brain and mind. The following are some techniques for brainstorming, culled from the knowledge and experience of several individuals.

Kelly Boon, founder and director of pARTners, physically, emotionally, and intellectually takes people outside their usual environment. She gives them red noses to wear; masks, costumes, theaterical situations, poetry, writing assignments and more all serve to literally and figuratively disarm people enough to shock them to different thought.

Stimulation works. I attend museums, exhibits, concerts, lectures and find that the ideas of others stimulate my brain to jumpstart the connections that bring new ideas. When I'm in a choreographic rut, I move without stopping for no less than 10 minutes and always find that I have an idea. If I don't like the idea, I repeat the process.

Several people mentioned the importance of thinking outward from a problem, rather than inward toward a company goal.

Setting up the Brainstorming Session

Preparation

Decide who will participate in the session; appoint a scribe, and a facilitator. Make sure the room is conducive to group discussion, with appropriate materials such as lots of writing, an easel, supplies for showing concept ideas. And most important, ask what is the desired outcome for this brainstorming session?

Get the juices flowing

Spend 5-10 minutes getting everyone into the frame of mind that allows brainstorming - play word games, take a brief field trip, stretch the body to get blood flowing, or something neutral that is different from the topic for the upcoming brainstorming session.

Go for it

Set a time frame for the discussion, then allow extra minutes after calling time. Most people mentioned taking about 25 minutes before calling time. Sometimes setting a numerical goal helps ("let's get to 100 items").

Although it may seem inappropriate to call the following "Rules", people who use and study brainstorming all seem to agree on the basics:

  • All ideas are valid
  • Work from the ideas of others, don't worry about generating ideas
  • No criticizing, judging, editing, or analyzing
  • Quantity matters; don't worry about quality

Thank everyone, and then analyze the ideas.

Brainstorming Software

Several companies have developed software for individuals and groups to aid in brainstorming, find a structure for brainstorming, and learn how to set up brainstorming sessions. Here are some links to companies that also include online information and tutorials:

Other Resources

  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a good handout on individual brainstorming.
  • Another brief “how to” can be found at San Diego State University.
  • Martha Graham said that one must rehearse enough to be spontaneous. Good brainstorming takes practice, but is immensely helpful in defining problems and finding solutions.