How to Brainstorm
The Introduction
Brainstorming is the process in which an individual or group invokes, connects, and/or produces concepts and ideas. These concepts and ideas often pertain to a goal or general theme, but is not always the case. Brainstorming is the ultimate tool for any creative, and when this tool is utilized in a group setting the diversity of ideas may expand greatly. This can be a good or bad thing, but since the very essence of brainstorming is reliant on the concept that no idea is a bad idea I believe it positive, at least in the initial stages. Group brainstorming helps initiate and inspire new thoughts and ideas as a result of others thoughts and ideas. New thoughts and ideas are a direct result of brainstorming, they are also the very reason you brainstorm in the first place. Below are five methods of brainstorming that I have found very useful.
Brainstorming Methods
Idea/Index Cards
Mind/Spider Map
Word Storm
Kill the Critic
Collage Map
Brainstorming Methods In-Depth
The purpose of all of the brainstorming methods found below is to make new combinations with existing elements in the pursuit of a new goal, alternative, or path. In essence the main goals of each method are to create content and to develop connections with said content based on previous knowledge, interest and experience. Again, when utilizing the methods below in a group setting there is greater diversity in and greater chance of, new ideas.
1. Idea/Index Cards
Simply write down a single word, object or idea on a set amount of cards (usually more than 10). The number of cards written on is dependent on how many people are in the brainstorming group, but more is better in this case. Don’t hesitate, just get the idea on paper. It can help to have a theme in mind or a letter of the alphabet as your starting point, again just get the idea on paper. The next step is to mix all the cards together then pull out two or three (the greater the number can be beneficial but can often lead to greater complexity, which is not always a bad thing). Now you (and your team) must make connections between the cards. I have found it very beneficial to spend about 10 minutes per card matching session and move on to the next. This way you can focus on certain ideas then instantly switch gears to another set of cards. Also, your mind may try to make connections between cards in opposing sessions, this is fine, after all the whole purpose is to create new connections and ideas.
2. Mind/Spider Map
Simply write down a word, object or idea (write small as to allow more ideas to become a part of your map). Next write down ideas that may relate to or surround the original idea. Then connect and organize ideas as you go, group like ideas, and ideas in multiple categories is fine. Different colored lines and groupings can become beneficial in quickly identifying sections, groups and like ideas. A possible next step is to create multiple maps as to gradually refine and better group ideas (this becomes an editorial process, so it is best utilized later rather than sooner).
3. Word Storm
Word Storms are simply a way of writing down your stream of consciousness. The idea is to put down any and everything that comes to mind. It is important that you put down everything. Do not edit yourself, there is a time and place, and during a word storm it is neither the time nor place. After 10 minutes or so you may begin to look back and find what jumps out at you, now you may begin to edit what you have come up with.
4. Kill the Critic
Kill the Critic is very similar to and is essentially a hybrid of a Word Storm. Only in this case you shout out what comes to mind (advantageous in a group setting) and a designated person writes down what is said. The purpose is to “kill the inner critic” that resides inside you, let him out only after you’ve let your thoughts roam free. Again, nothing is a bad idea when you brainstorm, as each and every idea sparks and spawns new ideas.
5. Collage Map
The Collage Map brainstorming method lends itself very much to the Idea/Index Card method. Simply collect a bunch of magazines, newspapers, articles, food wrappers, and anything that you have no problem cutting up or tearing. Then you cut up and tear out different words, phrases, and images to put in a collective pile. Then, randomly select two or three, and like the Idea/Index Card method begin to make connections with the various items. At first ridiculous connections may be made, but gradually, as you mold the ideas, practicality will surface in them.
