| Brainstorming is one of the oldest of the modern | | | | to build on ideas in the group setting. An individual alone |
| creative thinking techniques. Originally developed in 1941 | | | | would not have access to this expertise. |
| by Alex F Osborn, it was first called "thinking up". Later | | | | Advocates of brainstorming would argue that part of |
| Alex Osborn coined the term "Brainstorming". | | | | the problem with these studies that downplay the |
| Brainstorming is primarily a technique of using ideas | | | | effectiveness of brainstorming, is that these groups |
| from a group of people to provide ongoing stimulation | | | | being studied are not applying brainstorming principles |
| to that group in order to create more ideas. These | | | | properly. One key concept is that the initial challenge |
| ideas are then combined or developed into a practical | | | | presented to the group must be very precisely and |
| answer to a challenge that was presented to the | | | | accurately worded. A poorly worded challenge can |
| group at the beginning of the brainstorming session. | | | | lead the group in all kinds of unproductive directions. |
| One of the key concepts of brainstorming is that no | | | | Another important key concept is that authority figures |
| criticism is allowed during the session. In fact, wild and | | | | that are directly above the participants in the work |
| unusual ideas are encouraged, in part because some | | | | environment cannot be present at the brainstorming |
| of these odd sounding ideas become useful ideas and | | | | sessions. The presence of bosses tends to inhibit any |
| partially because these kinds of ideas can inspire other | | | | of the unusual ideas that can really get a brainstorming |
| members of the group to come up with good ideas. | | | | session going. This absence of other egos to contend |
| Sometimes all a strange idea needs is some polishing. | | | | with probably explains why individuals can produce |
| Part of the brainstorming concept is to build on other | | | | more ideas when brainstorming alone. |
| people's ideas. | | | | An important component of brainstorming is the use of |
| Often these brainstorming groups are an assembly of | | | | a facilitator. The facilitator presents the initial challenge |
| people with different backgrounds. These different | | | | to the group. The facilitator may also be the one who |
| backgrounds can enable the introduction of | | | | records all the ideas. One of the important concepts of |
| perspectives that might not usually be brought to bear | | | | brainstorming is to aim at quantity of ideas. The quality |
| in solving a particular problem. This can stimulate new | | | | of ideas can be sorted out later. |
| ideas and can also allow the group to move beyond | | | | The facilitator will also try to get the group going again |
| familiar roadblocks. | | | | as it slows down. This is usually accomplished with a |
| Some studies have suggested that brainstorming is | | | | series of previously prepared questions. The facilitator |
| little better than any normal meeting. These studies | | | | might present ideas for further development at these |
| point to productivity as a measure of effectiveness. | | | | points where the group slows it's pace. |
| Some of these studies have even suggested that an | | | | Brainstorming is a useful creative thinking technique. |
| individual working alone can be more productive than a | | | | Many innovations and new ideas have been |
| brainstorming group. | | | | developed as a result of brainstorming. If an individual |
| It is true that an individual brainstorming alone can | | | | or a group is looking for a way to develop new ideas, |
| produce more ideas than a group, but the ideas are | | | | brainstorming is certainly worth a try. Just remember to |
| less well developed than they would be in a group | | | | apply the technique properly in order to get the best |
| environment. This is probably because the experience | | | | results. |
| and knowledge of a diverse assembly would be used | | | | |