1. Rules for Brainstorming
Introduction to Engineering DesignTM
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process
Rules for Brainstorming
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

2. Rules for Brainstorming
Introduction to Engineering DesignTM
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process
Brainstorming
The process used to find a solution to a problem by collecting ideas without regard for feasibility, which occur from a group of people brought together for that specific purpose.
Slide 3: Remind students about the importance of recording all ideas on paper.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

3. Rules for Brainstorming
Introduction to Engineering DesignTM
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process
Rules for Brainstorming
No criticism allowed
Work for quantity
Welcome piling-on
Allow free-for-all
Remind students that all ideas are important ideas. ALL students must be able to contribute.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

4. Rules for Brainstorming
Introduction to Engineering DesignTM
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process
No Criticism Allowed
People automatically tend to evaluate each suggested idea - their own, as well as others.
Avoid criticism.
Allow all members to contribute.
Reiterate the importance of avoiding criticism. Often times if this happens, not everyone in the group will share their ideas aloud.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

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

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

7. 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 common 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