What are brainstorming techniques?

Answer 1

Brainstorming is a creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution to a problem. The method was first popularized in the late 1930s by Alex Faickney Osborn, an advertising executive, in a book called Applied Imagination. Osborn proposed that groups could double their creative output by using the method of brainstorming.

There are four basic rules in brainstorming. These are intended to reduce the social inhibitions that occur in groups and therefore stimulate the generation of new ideas. The expected result is a dynamic synergy that will dramatically increase the creativity of the group.

1. Combine and improve ideas

2. No criticism

3. Unusual ideas are welcome

4. Focus on quantity

Here's how you brainstorm:

• write down everything that comes to mind, even if you think it sounds silly
• if one idea makes you think about something else, write that down too
• keep writing!
• write until you totally run out of ideas