DoubleslashSE Brainstorming Skill
Overview
Brainstorming is a creative technique for generating ideas through group or individual thinking sessions. Effective brainstorming balances divergent thinking (generating many ideas) with convergent thinking (selecting the best ideas).
Core Principles
Osborn's Rules (Classic Brainstorming)
- Defer Judgment: No criticism during idea generation
- Go for Quantity: More ideas = more chances for good ones
- Encourage Wild Ideas: They often contain seeds of innovation
- Build on Ideas: Use "Yes, and..." to extend thoughts
Additional Best Practices
- One Conversation at a Time: Focus and listen
- Be Visual: Sketch, diagram, demonstrate
- Stay Focused: Keep returning to the challenge
- Time-Box: Constraints drive creativity
The Diverge-Converge Model
DIVERGE CONVERGE
Generate ideas Select ideas
\ /
\ /
\ /
\ GROAN /
\ ZONE /
\ /
──────────────────────────
• Quantity • Quality
• Expansive • Focused
• No judgment • Evaluation
• All ideas • Best ideas
The "Groan Zone" is the challenging transition between divergence and convergence.
Divergent Techniques
1. Classic Brainstorm
Free-flowing idea generation with one person capturing.
2. Brainwriting (6-3-5)
- 6 people write 3 ideas in 5 minutes
- Pass papers and build on others' ideas
- Repeat rounds
3. Round Robin
Each person contributes one idea in turn, building momentum.
4. Mind Mapping
Visual technique branching from central concept.
5. SCAMPER
Systematic modification prompts:
- Substitute
- Combine
- Adapt
- Modify
- Put to other use
- Eliminate
- Reverse
6. Random Entry
Use random words/images as stimulus for new connections.
7. Reverse Brainstorm
"How could we cause this problem?" then flip solutions.
8. Starbursting
Generate questions (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?) rather than answers.
9. Role Storming
Brainstorm as someone else (customer, competitor, child).
10. Worst Possible Idea
Deliberately generate terrible ideas, then extract useful elements.
Convergent Techniques
1. Dot Voting
Each person gets N dots to distribute among ideas.
2. Affinity Mapping
Group related ideas into themes/clusters.
3. Four Categories
Sort ideas into: Now, Soon, Later, Never
4. Impact/Effort Matrix
Plot ideas on 2x2 grid.
5. Ranking
Force-rank top 5-10 ideas.
6. Criteria Weighting
Score ideas against predefined criteria.
7. Thumbs Up/Down
Quick consensus check.
Session Structures
Quick Burst (30 minutes)
00:00 - 00:05 Setup & Rules
00:05 - 00:15 Diverge (generate ideas)
00:15 - 00:25 Converge (group & vote)
00:25 - 00:30 Close (top 3 & next steps)
Standard Session (60 minutes)
00:00 - 00:05 Setup & Rules
00:05 - 00:10 Warm-up / Energizer
00:10 - 00:25 Round 1: Free Brainstorm
00:25 - 00:35 Round 2: Prompted/Structured
00:35 - 00:45 Group & Theme
00:45 - 00:55 Vote & Prioritize
00:55 - 00:60 Close & Actions
Extended Session (90 minutes)
00:00 - 00:10 Setup & Context
00:10 - 00:15 Warm-up
00:15 - 00:30 Round 1: Individual Silent
00:30 - 00:45 Round 2: Group Building
00:45 - 00:60 Round 3: Technique (SCAMPER, etc.)
00:60 - 00:70 Clustering & Themes
00:70 - 00:80 Voting & Discussion
00:80 - 00:90 Actions & Close
Facilitation Tips
Starting Strong
- Have a clear, well-framed challenge
- Create energy with a warm-up
- Post rules visibly
- Use a timer
Maintaining Momentum
- Call out good examples of building
- Prompt when energy dips
- Change techniques if stuck
- Use provocations: "What if...?"
Managing Challenges
| Challenge | Response |
|---|---|
| Silent group | Try brainwriting first |
| One dominant voice | Use round robin |
| Going off-topic | Restate the challenge |
| Premature criticism | Remind of rules, park concerns |
| Running out of ideas | Change technique or perspective |
| Too many ideas | Use affinity mapping |
Closing Strong
- Celebrate quantity generated
- Make selection transparent
- Assign clear actions
- Thank participants
Quality of Ideas
Idea Attributes to Look For
Novel: Different from existing solutions Feasible: Possible to implement Valuable: Addresses the real need Complete: Can stand alone as concept
Characteristics of Good Sessions
- High quantity of ideas generated
- Diversity of idea types
- Some surprising/unexpected ideas
- Building on others' ideas visible
- Energy maintained throughout
Common Pitfalls
Production Blocking: Others can't share while one talks
- Solution: Use brainwriting or silent ideation first
Evaluation Apprehension: Fear of judgment
- Solution: Emphasize rules, anonymous submission
Social Loafing: Hiding in the group
- Solution: Individual ideation before group
Anchoring: Early ideas dominate
- Solution: Generate silently first, randomize sharing
Groupthink: Converging too quickly
- Solution: Extend divergence, assign devil's advocate
See techniques.md for detailed technique guides.