1. Rules for Brainstorming
Introduction to Engineering DesignTM
Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Introduction to Design Process
Rules for Brainstorming
Developed by Project Lead the Way
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.
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.
No criticism
No negative comments
Slide 5: Reiterate the importance about criticism. Often times if this happens not everyone in the group will give their ideas to the rest of the group.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

5. 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.

6. Welcome Piling-on
Piling-on occurs when one member’s idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea.
All ideas should be recorded.

7. 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.