Don’t have time to read a long post on creating ideas? If so, here are my best brainstorming tips, quick-snap.
For speed, you only need 2-3 people + a place to write notes.
Use whatever you’re comfortable: flipchart, whiteboard, online collab board.
Don’t forget to keep your supplies stocked.
Not sure what to get? Click here for a list of suggested supplies.
Ready, Set, Let's Go!
Stand up. The human brain works better when the body’s on its feet.
Give two minutes of what you know about …
… the purpose (what are the goals, either from the organisation’s or the client’s perspective)
… the problem (what needs to be addressed, eliminated, minimised, put into context)
… the end user (what are the most important key insights about the end user’s psychographics (how they behave, what they believe), less so on demographics (statistics about the end user)
Remember! Don’t get into a lot of detail about details. Focus on solving the problem. Afterwards, if needed, brainstorm how to deal with any internal politics.
Start with an icebreaker or game. You need to switch people from Closed Mind to Open Mind. Rip up magazines to create a quick mood board. Or go here for some suggestions on other games and icebreakers.
Write all ideas on flip chart paper or similar. But keep them public. Let others contribute as they wish, or when the idea strikes.
Get your first ideas out of the way. They’re crap, trust me.
Give everyone a marker to write ideas. Or draw your ideas. Do whatever is needed to get ideas out of their (your) head.
After 15-20 minutes, see what you have. If you don’t have the Big Idea yet (don’t worry, it doesn’t come that easy) pick the 3-4 ideas you like best. Focus on those for another 5-10 minutes.
Nothing yet? Choose the 2-3 ideas you like over the others. How did you pick them? Be clear on your criteria! Circle them. Highlight them in a different colour. Say thanks to this group.
Repeat the process with another 2-3 people. Either start anew or use the 2-3 preferred ideas from last brainstorm … and keep going until you have something usable to share with a decision maker or your overall team.
If you have a bit more time ...
If you can, get out of the office. People will have better focus if they’re not surrounded by everything they need to do at their desk.
Give people an easy bit of homework prior to the brainstorm. Have them do or consider something overnight so they come with some ideas in the morning. (Unconscious thinking can be an incredible talent.)
Go online as you’re brainstorming. Use visuals, pictures – anything to stimulate your imagination. I love Google Images or Pinterest for this reason: easy to put in a search word and see what might prompt some ideas. Here’s a good post on using online tools to stimulate brainstorming.
What are your best brainstorming tips when you don’t have a lot of time? Please add any thoughts or comments below.
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