Although brainstorming can be an ideal way to generate ideas, it comes with challenges that include the risk of inferior ideas, participant inhibitions and reduced morale. This Blue Paper examines brainstorming alternatives such as blitzing, brainswarming, e-brainstorming and timeboxing.

1. Brainstorming
should be on
your radar
because it …
Don’t get all wet: Avoid
these brainstorming pitfalls
Sources
Williams, Ray. "Why Brainstorming Doesn't Improve Productivity or Creativity." Psychology Today. N.p., 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201204/why-brainstorming-doesnt-improve-productivity-or-creativity>.
"Effective Brainstorming Techniques." N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/effective-brainstorming-techniques-HA001117159.aspx>.
Hudson, Ken. "Instead of Brainstorming — Try Blitzing!" N.p., 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://drkenhudson.com/instead-of-brainstorming-try-blitzing/>.
"The New Art of Brainswarming." IdeaPaint. N.p., 18 July 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130718005302/en/IdeaPaint-Unveils-eBook-Art-Brainswarming%25E2%2584%25A2#.Ux3k_4XYMlo>.
"Who Says Brainstorming Doesn't Work?" ZURB. N.p., 5 Mar. 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://zurb.com/article/920/who-says-brainstorming-doesn-t-work>.
Sutton, Bob. "Why The New Yorker's Claim That Brainstorming Doesn't Work Is an Overstatement and Possibly Wrong." N.p., 26 Jan. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://bobsutton.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/why-the-new-yorkers-claim-that-brainstorming-doesnt-work-is-an-overstatement-and-possibly-wrong.html>.
Vozza, Stephanie. "Forget Brainstorming, Try Brainswarming Instead." Entrepreneur. N.p., 10 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228171>.
Dichiaro, George. "Challenging Three Myths of Brainstorming." Research-live.com. N.p., 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.research-live.com/comment/challenging-three-myths-of-brainstorming/4010286.article>.
Jana, Reena. "Why Brainstorming Doesn't Work--and What Does." SmartPlanet. N.p., 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/decoding-design/why-brainstorming-doesnt-work-and-what-does/>.
www.4imprint.com
Infographic created by www.4imprint.com, based on
the Brainstorming Blue Paper®. Download Blue Paper at:
http://info.4imprint.com/bluepapers/brainstorming/
You may reproduce and distribute this infographic in its entirety. You may not create derivative works.
(Licensed under the Creative Commons: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/)
Generates
more ideas
Builds on and
combines ideas
What if they think
my idea is stupid?
It’s got to be a box!
It’s got to be a box!
There’s no way I can think up
new ideas in only 10 minutes.
BLITZING E-BRAINSTORMING TIMEBOXINGBRAINSWARMING
Are you prepared for
the brainstorm ahead?
There’s sun in the forecast
with a brainstorming upgrade
Social loafing
Inhibited participants
Hothousing
Anchoring
Social loafing
Someone else will
pick up the slack.
Brainstorming occurs in a
pre-set time period or timebox.
When the time limit is reached,
participants pause to evaluate
ideas, summarize key points
and refocus.
Individuals brainstorm 9
new ideas in 2 minutes
and then share with
the group.
Swarm, don’t storm.
Small swarms work together
on a problem until it is solved.
Then, together, they move on
to tackle the next problem.
Individuals generate ideas via
computer and a facilitator
compiles them and presents
them to the group for appraisal.
Choose a meeting space that is …
• Comfortable
• Collaborative
• Not typically used for other
business functions
Select a facilitator that …
• Has a stake in the outcome
• Keeps the group on task
• Eliminates social loafing and inhibition
Remember, there are bad ideas.
The best ideas come from …
• Debate
• Engagement
• Evaluation
Accumulate a flood of ideas
your organization can use by
bringing brainstorming into
the 21st Century
Exposes
participants
to new ideas
Promotes
creativity
A modern approach to
BRAIN STORMING