Brainstorming

Brainstorming is probably the most common way to develop creative ideas. It can be used successfully by an individual or by a group. The objective of this process is to generate as many ideas as quickly as possible to solve a problem. Brainstorming is a part of every creative technique and the rules for brainstorming should be applied to all techniques. It's all about the comfort and freedom to express your ideas.

The Brainstorming technique is designed to offset the inhibiting effect of premature judgement and to make it possible for problem solvers to produce many wild ideas in order to maximie the chance of producing a potentially useful idea.

This technique helps to eliminate
- fear of risk taking
- fear of feeling foolish ( my ideas too stupid)

Four basic rules govern any brainstorming session:.
A leader must be chosen by the group who will make sure the 4 rules are used most effectively.

1. Criticism is ruled out: no judgement is made of any idea until all ideas have been porduced.

2. Freewheeling is welcomed: it's always easier to tame down than to think up. Go for the craziest idea, the wilder the idea the better.
EVERY idea is acceptable at this stage, no ideas isn't going to work or is concidered stupid (those are sometimes the most helpful in finding a creative solution).

3. Quantity is wanted: the more ideas, the greater the likelihood of winners.
EVERY idea is acceptable at this stage.

4. Combination and improvement are sought: participants may suggest how the ideas of others can be made better, because one may see implications in the ideas of others that were not apparent to those who produced them.

Brainstorming takes advantage of synergy, the fact tha the total energy of the group is greater than the sum of it's individual participants. The groups dynamic that occurs causes everyone's energy to skyrocket.

Brainstorming should be FUN!

More Brainstorming suggestions that foster out-of-the-box creative thinking.

• Get into the "wish mode." Give yourself permission to imagine the
most satisfying experience.

• Be playful: Have fun toying with your ideas. Speculate. Stretch your
imagination.

• Wish for the moon: Don't worry about the feasibility of an invention.

• Learn to support other people's ideas: Show your appreciation,
express your support. Smile, clap, cheer.

• Describe the positive: Say, "What I like about this project is. . . ."

• Look for opportunities, not problems: Say, "I wish for. . . ."

• Build on positive aspects: Say, "We could also explore this
dimension. . . ."

• Learn to manage your attention span: Drop out and zoom back into
the conversation. Let your mind wander for a few seconds (three to
five seconds) . . . and then bring it back to the conversation.