The Brainstorming Blessing: How to Seize Unreachable Ideas?
Ever feel like your creativity has gone on a cattle drive and left you standing in the nonsense of "been there, done that" ideas? Well, worry no more, This guide is your compass to a land overflowing with unique inspiration!
Brainstorming is your trusted rope to seize on those Unreachable ideas, and there's a whole herd of techniques to get you started.
But, what exactly is brainstorming?
Think of brainstorming as a free-for-all for ideas, where the wilder the better! It's all about generating a massive quantity of possibilities, no matter how strange or outlandish they may seem.
The key is to create a judgment-free zone where even the most seemingly nonsensical ideas are welcomed. Then, once you've tangled up a whole bunch of concepts, you can refine and develop the most promising ones.
So, How Do We Get This Brainstorming Charge Started?
Here are some tried-and-true techniques to spark that creative fire:
1- The “Anonymous” Approach: Brainwriting
Imagine a team of advertising executives tasked with creating a new campaign for a popular breakfast cereal.
They might use brainwriting, where everyone anonymously writes down quickly those ideas on slips of paper. These papers are then passed around the circle, with each person adding to or building upon the existing ideas.
This anonymity can lead to bolder and more unexpected concepts, like a cereal that changes color based on the weather or comes with a built-in glowstick for nighttime snacking (probably not the healthiest option, but, it's brainstorming!).
2- Mind Mapping: Where Ideas Blossom Like a Cactus Flower
Picture a team of designers brainstorming ideas for a new logo for an eco-friendly clothing brand. They might utilize mind mapping. This involves grabbing a whiteboard and starting with a central image representing the brand. Then, branches sprout outwards, each loaded with words and visuals related to specific ideas. This visual approach allows everyone to see the connections between ideas and sparks new routes of exploration.
Maybe a blooming cactus flower becomes the logo, symbolizing growth and sustainability!
3- “SCAMPER”: Get Ready for Creative Modifications
Let's say a group of engineers is brainstorming ways to improve the efficiency of a solar panel.
They could employ SCAMPER, a handy acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.
For instance, they could "Substitute" the traditional silicon material with something more lightweight or "Combine" solar panels with roof tiles to create a self-powered building material.
SCAMPER helps you see your existing concept from fresh angles, leading to innovative solutions.
4- Random Words: The Unexpected Inspiration
Imagine a team of writers struggling to come up with a catchy tagline for a new line of sneakers.
They might try random word inspiration. This involves picking a random word from a dictionary or online generator.
Let's say they land on "kangaroo." How can they connect this seemingly unrelated word to their product? Maybe the sneakers are known for their incredible jumping power, leading to the tagline "Jump Higher with Kangaroo Kicks!"
5- Role-Playing: Stepping into the Customer's Boots
A team of app developers might use role-playing to brainstorm ways to improve their user experience. They would literally step into the shoes of their target audience, acting out scenarios and identifying potential pain points. This shift in perspective can lead to fresh ideas that they might not have considered otherwise.
Remember, the Best Brainstorming Sessions Are:
A Collaborative Circle: The more minds involved, the better!
A Fun and Energetic Round-Up: Keep it light and playful to encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
A Time-Bound Trail Ride: Set a specific timeframe to keep the momentum going and prevent brainstorming fatigue.
