Brainwriting is an alternative to brainstorming aimed at reducing chaos and enhancing idea generation among participants. Unlike traditional brainstorming, participants write down their thoughts before sharing, which minimizes noise and maximizes contribution. The document outlines the setup, execution, and wrap-up processes of brainwriting sessions to foster a collaborative environment.

1. Brainwriting
An alternative to brainstorming

2. Brainstorming is supposed to be a way to generate
numerous ideas or insights in a quick, collaborative way
Why we brainstorm

3. • It can be chaotic
• The loudest voices drown out others
• “Reality creep” - skepticism supplants ideation
• First ideas shape subsequent ideas
• All the voices make it hard to think

4. Brainwriting to the rescue!

5. Brainwriting is also a way to harness the wisdom of the
crowd, but to do so in a way that reduces noise, tension,
negativity and other limitations of traditional brainstorming.
What is brainwriting?

6. Brainwriting is different from brainstorming in one crucial
way: participants write their thoughts and ideas down
prior to sharing them with the group.
How it’s different

7. The setup
• Less is more: 5-10 participants
• In a space where people face each other, and can write
• Use ambient noise, like white noise
• Provide pens and note cards (collect them at the end)
• Pro-tip: tee up what the session will be about in your
invite, so participants avoid coming in cold

8. The setup
• Introduce the brain-writing method
• Tee up the challenge you want help with; question format
is great:
• How would you…?
• What would x look like…?
• What are some of your favorite…?

9. Constraints are good
• Limit your time and questions
• 10-15 mins per
• 2-3 questions max

10. Getting to work
• Ask everyone to write quietly
• One idea per note card
• No limit, no minimum
• Provide time prompts, e.g. 5 mins left, 2 mins left

11. Sharing is caring
• Ask each person (in order) to share their ideas
• Use a whiteboard or flip chart to capture important points
• Ask questions, dig deeper into their ideas
• Make sure you understand before moving on
• Keep the conversation between moderator and
responder, not the group

12. Wrap it up
• Collect everyone’s note cards
• Thank them for their help
• Offer a small prize for participating!
• Share bullet points back so they feel they were heard