tomevault-io Brainstorming Workflow
A structured approach to generating and evaluating ideas for design decisions.
When to Use
- Starting a new feature with unclear requirements
- Choosing between multiple architectural approaches
- Solving a problem with no obvious solution
- Exploring trade-offs before committing to a direction
Phase 1: Problem Definition
Clearly define what you're trying to solve:
- State the goal: What should the end result accomplish?
- Identify constraints: What limitations exist? (time, resources, compatibility)
- Define success criteria: How will you know the solution works?
- List stakeholders: Who cares about this decision?
Template:
Goal: [What we're trying to achieve]
Constraints: [Time, resources, compatibility requirements]
Success looks like: [Measurable outcomes]
Stakeholders: [Who is affected]
Phase 2: Divergent Thinking
Generate as many ideas as possible without judgment:
- Quantity over quality: Get all ideas out first
- No criticism yet: All ideas are valid at this stage
- Build on ideas: "Yes, and..." not "No, but..."
- Think unconventionally: What would a beginner suggest? An expert?
Techniques:
- SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Rearrange
- Reverse brainstorm: How could we make this problem worse?
- Analogy: How do other domains solve similar problems?
- Extreme scenarios: What if we had unlimited time? Zero budget?
Phase 3: Idea Organization
Group and structure the generated ideas:
- Categorize: Group similar approaches together
- Identify themes: What patterns emerge?
- Note dependencies: Which ideas require others?
- Mark combinations: Which ideas work well together?
Phase 4: Convergent Thinking
Evaluate and narrow down options:
- Apply constraints: Which ideas are actually feasible?
- Score against criteria: Rate each option on success factors
- Identify risks: What could go wrong with each approach?
- Consider effort vs impact: Quick wins vs long-term investments
Evaluation Matrix:
| Option | Feasibility | Impact | Risk | Effort | Score |
|--------|-------------|--------|------|--------|-------|
| A | High | Medium | Low | Low | 8/10 |
| B | Medium | High | Med | High | 6/10 |
Phase 5: Decision
Make a choice and document the rationale:
- Select the approach: Based on evaluation
- Document why: Future you will thank you
- Note rejected alternatives: And why they were rejected
- Identify next steps: What's the immediate action?
Decision Record Template:
## Decision: [Title]
### Context
[What situation led to this decision]
### Options Considered
1. [Option A] - [Pros/Cons]
2. [Option B] - [Pros/Cons]
3. [Option C] - [Pros/Cons]
### Decision
[What we decided and why]
### Consequences
[What this decision means going forward]
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
- Premature convergence: Deciding before exploring
- Groupthink: Not challenging popular ideas
- Analysis paralysis: Evaluating forever without deciding
- Pet solutions: Forcing a predetermined answer
- Missing constraints: Forgetting important limitations
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