Brainstorming

Brainstorm A group problem-solving process in which each person in the group presents ideas in an open forum. Generate and record ideas. Keep the mind alert through rapidly paced sessions. Develop preliminary ideas.

Rules for Brainstorming No criticism allowed Work for quantity Welcome piling-on Allow free-for-all

Ground Rules Relax Have fun Support not criticize

Ground Rules No boundaries Completely free your mind No limits on the number of ideas Fragmented ideas OK Just keywords OK

Ground Rules No criticizing (during or after) No evaluating or dismissing No dismissing EVEN your own ideas No “You must be joking” looks or comments

Ground Rules Explain quickly (few seconds) No questions Let ideas you don’t understand go Speed is the key Important is “Association” not “Viability”

Ground Rules Select a moderator No dominating No interrupting No passing

Ground Rules Short session (20 minutes) Create ideas in silence Multiple rounds

High-Quantity Brainstorming Rules for Brainstorming Introduction to Engineering DesignTM Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process High-Quantity Brainstorming People must experience “brain-drain” before the innovative, creative ideas can surface. Therefore, the more ideas, the more likely quality ideas will surface. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2007

Rules for Brainstorming Introduction to Engineering DesignTM Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process Welcome Piling-On Piling-on occurs when a member’s idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea. All ideas should be recorded. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2007

Rules for Brainstorming Introduction to Engineering DesignTM Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process Allow Free-for-All Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is possible for the most off-the-wall idea to be one wherein lies the solution for the problem. The sky is the limit. Project Lead The Way, Inc. Copyright 2007

Free-Form Brainstorming Post-It® Notes Free writing “Blurting out”

Brainstorming Documentation All ideas should be captured Have a notetaker Take photographs Compile ideas after the session Project Date Team Take good notes. Record all ideas.

Concept Generation Dysfunctions Utilizing a poor design brief Assuming there is only ONE right answer Getting hooked on the FIRST solution Considering the ideas from only one or two team members

Concept Generation Dysfunctions Feeling too anxious to finish Becoming frustrated by the lack of success Getting hooked on a solution that almost works

If You Get Stuck . . . Combine promising partial solutions Try a different brainstorming technique Try both individual and group brainstorming Do some more research Consider concepts used by other designs Consider concepts employed in unrelated products