Brainstorming

=Concept = The concept of Brainstorming was popularised by [|Alex Osborne] in 1953.

The concept has the purpose of creating a large volume of related ideas in a short period of time, free from criticism or constraint. It is a group activity aimed at getting better results by working on a problem collaboratively rather than in isolation.

Brainstorming is based on a series of short intense sessions as opposed to a prolonged activity. (Sprints, not a marathon)

There are a number of variations on the technique including Random Word seeding and Reverse Brainstorming.

=Approach =

Groundrules
 * Focus on Quantity
 * Withhold Criticism
 * Welcome Unusual Ideas
 * Combine and Improve Ideas

Process
 * 1) Define the purpose/focus/scope of the exercise in the form of a statement or question.
 * 2) Select participants making sure you have the right people as well as different people in the group.
 * 3) Participants then put forward ideas at any time (option here for people to do it on their own first before sharing).
 * 4) Write down ideas in full view of the group.
 * 5) All ideas accepted without criticism or question (not even a groan or a grimace).
 * 6) Let people 'hitchhike' - build upon other ideas.
 * 7) Keep the sense of urgency, stick to the time limit and remind the group they are approaching that limit - multiple short sprints.

=Resources = Experts Communities Reference Articles Tools
 * [|Applied Imagination] - Alex Osbourne
 * [|Brainstorming] - Wikipedia
 * Brainstorming 2.0: Making ideas that really happen
 * Mind Mapping Tools
 * [|DeBono Random Word Technique]

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