This is a presentation that outlines various novel brainstorming techniques to help work with potential users, users and coworkers. These techniques focus on helping craft compelling stories through brainstorming tools and techniques. It is these stories that help uncover valuable insights.

1. DESIGN OUT LOUD
Carnegie Mellon University School of Design
Senior ID Studio | Class 3: Brainstorming
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2. The goal of brainstorming is to
generate ideas!
To accomplish this we must
postpone our judgements until after
the exercise.
© DePerro 2010

3. BRAINSTORMING
The Chemistry of Brainstorming
‣ Try and have a diverse group of people/professions present.
‣ Your group size should be 4 to 7 people.
‣ Prepare topics, goals, questions for the moderator to use, to keep
the energy and pace active.
‣ Encourage outrageous ideas.
‣ If you see an unexpected, valuable trend improvise and explore it.
‣ Pick a predefined time limit(s), don’t let things drag on
‣ Keep it fun!
© DePerro 2010

4. BRAINSTORMING
What are the types?
‣ Structured
‣ Learn what you don’t know you need to know
‣ Test what you think you know
‣ Unstructured
‣ Test ideas, concepts, models with users
‣ Silent
‣ Solve for a given scenario
© DePerro 2010

5. BRAINSTORMING
After The Session Has Ended
‣ Recap the session
‣ Collect all the ideas
‣ Group like items
‣ Discuss key findings, insights
‣ Ask participants their observations/impressions
‣ Eliminate items that may not be relevant to the original topic
‣ Thank participants for their time
© DePerro 2010

6. RECORDING
Documenting The Session
‣ Take Notes
‣ If you’re recording write down the time stamp to revisit.
‣ Write down key quotes, along with who said it.
‣ Video/Picture
‣ Tripod of key angles, capture group vs. capture a task
they’re doing
‣ Floating camera, documenting key insights
‣ Audio
‣ Capturing a conversation; be careful they don’t speak
over one-another
‣ Mouse
‣ Track users mouse movements (or eye movements)
over an interface.
© DePerro 2010

7. EXAMPLES v/
Brainstorming Techniques:
- Structured
- Unstructured
- Silent
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8. STRUCTURED
Wizard of Oz Prototyping...
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9. STRUCTURED
Velcro Modeling...
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10. STRUCTURED
Sticker Exercise + Empathy Training
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11. STRUCTURED
Sticker Layout Exercise
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12. UNSTRUCTURED
Concept Maps...
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13. SILENT
Surveys...
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14. YOUR SUPPLIES
What You’ll Need To Craft Your Session:
v/
- Sticky Notes, Paper
- Pens/Markers, Whiteboard/Craft Paper
- Brain Food
- Exercise Specific Items
- Likeness Release Form
- Reward for their time?
© DePerro 2010