4 Awesome Brainstorming Techniques

Trying to come up with an idea for your next project can be frustrating if nothing’s coming to you. It can be the most difficult step of the entire creative process. If developing original ideas were easy, it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list of brainstorming techniques to help get those creative wheels turning so you can develop your next big idea.

Starbursting

Starbursting is an interesting technique to use for brainstorming. It requires that you start asking questions to get ideas flowing. Begin by listing questions about a particular problem you’re trying to solve. It can involve who, what, where, why, questions. 

This is a good technique because it’s pretty all encompassing, getting you to think about a particular topic from a bunch of different angles. The physical act of writing is great for a number of reasons. For one, it gets you to really get ideas flowing but it also provides you with a log of your ideas to return to after you’ve taken a step back from the process.

Stepladder

The stepladder process is a fantastic brainstorming method when working with a group. Here is how it works:

The team leader will begin a brainstorming session by presenting the group with a topic or idea. Everybody leaves the room except for two people. These two people will discuss the topic while the people who left the room will mull it over individually.

After a certain amount of time, one person will return to the room and discuss. Then another and another. That way, new ideas are introduced to ideas that have already been built up instead of the discussion being dictated by ideas introduced at the beginning of the session.

Round Robin

The round robin brainstorming technique is another great group brainstorming method that ensures everyone’s voice is heard. 

For the round robin method, your team will take turns sharing their ideas one at a time. In the meantime, a team leader (or designated notekeeper) will record everyone’s ideas for later reference and discussion.

For teams trying to come up with ideas, this is one of the best ways to make sure everyone is heard.

Brain Writing

Another good group brainstorming method is brain writing. This is especially good if you have team members that are a bit on the shy side and not that comfortable sharing their ideas out loud. 

Again, the leader will provide a topic to the rest of the team. Everybody will then write down their ideas on their own. Like with the previous methods, this is intended to rid the process of anchoring bias while also allow time for people to develop their ideas a bit more.

People’s mindset also tends to be affected in group settings. Some people are more creative on their own and this method of brainstorming can really help, especially if they’re more introverted.

There are a ton of different brainstorming techniques out there. And there are plenty of great websites that offer inspiration depending on what you’re trying to do. For example, creative people can find some great ideas for woodworking projects on Inventables.

So get out there, start brainstorming, and figure out your next million dollar idea!