Brainstorming

From GrassrootsPedia

Brainstorming

A process for generating ideas or answers in response to a specific question or challenge. Brainstorming usually involves an individual or a group proposing ideas to generate a list, and then reviewing that list to decide which ideas are best.

Methods of group Brainstorming

A note on group brainstorms: We're taught that being oppositional in a pithy way is the same as intelligence, and that idealism is crazy. As a result, non-crazy group members rarely take bold stands or float crazy ideas. The truth is 9 out of 10 crazy ideas are just plain crazy. But that 10th idea may be brilliant and may be just the solution we're looking for. SO, the following can be a good method for getting those crazy ideas out there, and really thinking hard as a group to come at things from a new, or revolutionary angle.Gbuckland 12:52, 6 July 2007 (CDT)

WikiPedia article on Brainstorming[1]

Key Points: (see especially #2)

There are four basic rules in brainstorming.<ref> Osborn, A.F. (1963) Applied imagination: Principles and procedures of creative problem solving (Third Revised Edition). New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons.</ref> These are intended to reduce the social inhibitions that occur in groups and therefore stimulate the generation of new ideas. The expected result is a dynamic synergy that will dramatically increase the creativity of the group.

1. Focus on quantity: This rule is a means of enhancing divergent production, aiming to facilitate problem solving through the maxim, quantity breeds quality. The assumption is that the greater the number of ideas generated, the greater the chance of producing a radical and effective solution.
2. No criticism: It is often emphasized that in group brainstorming, criticism should be put 'on hold'. Instead of immediately stating what might be wrong with an idea, the participants focus on extending or adding to it, reserving criticism for a later 'critical stage' of the process. By suspending judgment, one creates a supportive atmosphere where participants feel free to generate unusual ideas.
3. Unusual ideas are welcome: To get a good and long list of ideas, unusual ideas are welcomed. They may open new ways of thinking and provide better solutions than regular ideas. They can be generated by looking from another perspective or setting aside assumptions.
4. Combine and improve ideas: Good ideas can be combined to form a single very good idea, as suggested by the slogan "1+1=3". This approach is assumed to lead to better and more complete ideas than merely generating new ideas alone. It is believed to stimulate the building of ideas by a process of association.