This document discusses brainstorming techniques for generating ideas in a group design process. It outlines ground rules for brainstorming that encourage free-flowing ideas without criticism. These include relaxing, having fun, explaining ideas quickly without questions or evaluations, and focusing on associations rather than viability. The document also describes an idea trigger method involving an initial idea purge phase, followed by members building on each other's ideas, and finally compiling ideas into a master list. It stresses selecting promising ideas to develop in more detail after brainstorming.

1. PREPARATION :
DR. MARWAN SAKRAN
Brainstorming

2. Brainstorming
Powerful tool for design teams
Used to generate ideas in a group
Can be used on any sub-problem
It is best after knowing the main design
requirements

3. Ground Rules
Relax
Have fun
Support not criticize

4. Ground Rules
No boundaries
Completely free your mind
No limits on the number of ideas
Fragmented ideas OK
Just keywords OK

5. Ground Rules
No criticizing (during or after)
No evaluating or dismissing
No dismissing EVEN your own ideas
No “You must be joking” looks or comments

6. Ground Rules
Explain quickly (few seconds)
No questions
Let ideas you don’t understand go
Speed is the key
Important is “Association” not “Viability”

7. Ground Rules
Avoid subtle evaluations
 How is it going to do …
 Isn't this violating the rules
 That is an excellent idea
 How is this different than that idea

8. Ground Rules
Select a moderator
No dominating
No interrupting
No passing

9. Ground Rules
Short session (20 minutes)
Create ideas in silence
Multiple rounds

10. Idea Trigger Method
Phase I: Idea Purge Phase
 The objective is declared.
 Many ideas written rapidly on sheet of paper.
 There is a relaxation break after two minutes.
 The process continues for another minute.

11. Idea Trigger Method
Phase II: Idea Trigger Phase
 Leader calls each member for their ideas.
 Team members cross out shared ideas.
 Each idea as read may trigger other ideas in other members
who write them down quickly on a second page.
 After the first round, the members repeat the reading process
for the second sheet and more until no new ideas are triggered.

12. Idea Trigger Method
Phase III: Compilation
 Members compile and classify ideas into a master list and
distribute it.

13. Afterwards
Work alone to create more ideas.
Meet and selects promising ideas.
Promising ideas are developed in more detail listing
pros and cons.

14. Idea Selection
Team meets and selects one design to be engineered.
Team members identify critical sub-systems and
hold brainstorming sessions on such sub-systems.