Brainstorming is a technique used to generate many ideas in problem solving. It involves thinking of solutions, concepts, and ideas in groups to build upon each other's thoughts. The key is to generate as many ideas as possible without criticizing them. Some common brainstorming techniques include freewriting, making a cube with different tasks on each side, clustering related words, listing or bulleting ideas, using a Venn diagram to find commonalities and differences between topics, and drawing a tree diagram with branches of details from a central idea. Effective brainstorming requires overcoming challenges like some members blocking ideas, fixation on a few solutions, apprehension about ideas being criticized, some relying on others without contributing, and

1. BRAINSTORMING
SHAIKH M. AMEER
M. COM (B.M), SEM 3

2. BRAINSTORMING
„The best way how to have a good idea is to
have many ideas“
– Alex F. Osborne, 1939
• method of thinking up solutions, concepts,
ideas in problem solving
• using the brain to storm new ideas in groups
• „It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to
think up a new one.“

3. Brainstorming Technique
• Freewriting
Think about the topic. Then write, write, write. Whatever comes
into your brain – even if it doesn’t have to do with the topic
• Making a Cube
Imagine a cube. It has six sides. On each side, you have a
different task regarding the topic.
Describe the topic, Compare the topic, Associate the topic,
Associate the topic, Apply the topic & Argue for or against the
topic.

4. • Clustering
When you write down words or concepts associated with the
topic – any ideas that come into your mind.
• Listing or Bulleting
Create a list of terms/ideas/concepts about the topic. Create
multiple lists depending on the purpose.
• Venn Diagram
Draw two circles that connect. List two topics above the circles.
Brainstorm about the topics – what do they have in common and
what is unique about each one.
Same
owner
Problem with
image
processing
Constant
crashing

5. • Tree Diagram
This diagram has a central idea to which you add branches that
focus on details
• T – Diagram
Using a T shape, list a category that you want to compare or
contrast about a specific topic or topics. Do this for a variety of
categories.
Media
Print
Audio
Visual
Newspaper magazine booklet
cd mp3 cassette
television webpage movie

6. • Act like a Journalist
Using the question words in English to explore the topic.
• Spoke Diagram
Write the topic in a circle. Then think of about causes and
effects. Write these around the circle like spokes on a wheel.

7. Variations
• Nominal group technique
• Group passing technique
• Team idea mapping method
• Directed brainstorming
• Guided brainstorming
• Individual brainstorming
• Question brainstorming

8. Challenges to effective group brainstorming
• Blocking
• Collaborative fixation
• Evaluation apprehension
• Free-riding
• Personality characteristics
• Social matching, etc.