1. Brainstorming

2. 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.

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

4. Ground Rules
Relax
Have fun
Support not criticize

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

6. 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

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

8. Ground Rules Select a moderator No dominating No interrupting
No passing

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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.

15. 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

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

17. 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