Brainstorming

What is brainstorming?

Coming up with ideas! As well as generating good ideas, brainstorming can help to refine and focus ideas, and help you decide on the final idea you want to go with.

How do we do it?

Here are some simple guidelines to help your brainstorming sessions go well.

Pick a leader

A leader should take control of the session, explain the purpose of the brainstorm to everyone and keep the session on course. You should encourage a positive attitude in the group and make sure everyone gets their say. At the end of the brainstorm make sure everyone knows what they're doing next.

Make it fun

Enjoy brainstorming! Come up with as many ideas as possible, from solidly practical ones to wildly impractical ones. Use objects, images, toys and words to help people feel inspired. Putting yourself in a new and different environment can help to break you out of your day-to-day mindset and think more creatively - so it might be worth thinking up an interesting venue for your brainstorm.

Be positive

It's important that you create an environment in which everyone feels free to speak and voice ideas. Don't shout other people down or criticise their ideas.

Set a time limit for the session and stick to it

Setting a time limit helps to focus the discussion and stops people getting bored.

Record your ideas

Take notes or a tape recording. Jot down ideas on a board that everyone can see.