BRAINSTORMING

GUIDE
 TABLE OF
WEC'ORNETHEINRTISNG!
Page 1 - Back to the Basics
Page 2 - Thinking Big/Types of Brainstorming 
Page 3 - Mind Mapping 
Page 4 - Reverse Brainstorming
Page 5 - SWOT Analysis 
Page 6 - Brain Netting
Page 7 - Rapid Ideation
Page 8 - Round Robin
Page 9 - WHAT IF Brainstorming
Page 10- Wrap Up/More Information

 
GETTING
STARTED
BACK TO THE BASICS

Most Brainstorming
Guides agree on several
steps towards successful
brainstorming:

1) Identifying the
problem(s)
2) Gathering Ideas or
solutions
3) Weighing the pros vs WHAT IF YOU
cons of each idea WANT TO BE
4) Discussing with a
MORE CREATIVE?
group
5) Implementing the The goal of this guide is to
favorite idea   challenge traditional
brainstorming methods and
introduce more creative ideas

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 THINKING BIG
T Y P E S O F B R A I N S T O R M I N G

Analytical Brainstorming
Brainstorming that focuses on problem solving

can use tools that lead to creative solutions.

Ex. (Mind-Mapping, Reverse Brainstorm)

Quiet Brainstorming
Some brainstorming scenarios do not allow

for a group to meet up. Certain techniques

such as brain-netting, allow for ideas to be

generated privately.

Supportive Brainstorming
For a group with individuals that may not be

intrinsically creative, it is good to generate

ideas with a structured support system.

Creative Brainstorming
To shake things up if your group is stuck iis to

create crazy What-If scenarios to spur creative

thought better than traditional methods

There are many different types of

brainstorming, but some types are more

effective in different situations!

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 Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is a great way to organize
and connect the relationship between
ideas. 

1) Start by writing down the goal and/or

challenge.
2) You can add ideas around the
problem, and draw lines to connect the
related ones.
3) Mind Mapping is very popular, and
software can be easily found online, but
pencil and paper will do just fine. 

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Reverse Brainstorm
Reverse brainstorming is a fun way to solve
problems in a different way. Instead of
thinking of ways to help the issue, think of
ways to worsen the problem!

    1) Take the problem(s) that you have and ask

“how can I make this worse?
 2) Once you have a list of ways to cause the
problem, you are ready to start fixing them!

For More Information and Examples!

Source: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_96.htm

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 SWOT
ANALYSIS
SWOT Analysis tests are used to identify strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats, usually in
pursuit of a new project. For brainstorming, it can
be used as a collaborative stimulus to identify your
own strengths and weaknesses, or the strength
and weaknesses of a solution. 

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BRAIN-NETTING
Brain-netting involves brainstorming using
the internet. A system where individuals
can share their ideas privately, but then
collaborate publicly is beneficial such as
Slack or Google Docs. 

This method is good for remote teams to

still be able to brainstorm and work
efficiently together.

Some Great Resources!

Source: https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/brain-netting-how-
to-brainstorm-online--cms-27387
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 Rapid Ideation
This method of Group Brainstorming
can points teams in the obvious
direction, or can open up new
avenues of thought. 

1) Gather a group of brainstormers

2) Have each of them write as many
ideas as they can in a given
timeframe
3) Analyze similarities and
differences in problem-solving ideas
4) Find the obvious solution
repeated throughout the group, or
find a standout idea from one
creative thinker and run with it!
Source:https://www.wrike.com/blog/techniques-
effective-brainstorming/

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 ROUND ROBIN
This brainstorming game aims at including shy
members and making them feel more included
into a group setting.

1)  Start with the problem(s)

2) Have everyone in the group go around and
share an idea for solving the issue one-by-one
3) Nobody is allowed to share a second idea
until everyone has shared at least one idea
In this way, no one person dominates a
brainstorming session and instead of a shy
member having to speak up on their own, this
gives them a little push

Source: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/round-robin-
brainstorming.htm

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 WHAT IF?
WHAT WOULD JESUS
DO? WHAT IF THIS
PROBLEM OCCURRED
100 YEARS AGO? HOW
WOULD YOUR DOG
TACKLE THIS ISSUE?

“WHAT IF” BRAINSTORMING

REQUIRES YOU TO THINK
OUTSIDE OF THE BOX AND
VIEW THE PROBLEM FROM A
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE!
ASKING YOURSELF HOW
SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD
SOLVE THE PROBLEM CAN
PROVIDE THE KICK YOU NEED
TO GENERATE NEW IDEAS! 

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 WRAP UP
+SOURCES
These are only a few of the many
clever ways to brainstorm! If you
want to dig deeper than the
surface, check out some of these
sources to learn even more ways
to generate ideas!

More Sources
1) Envatotuts+
https://business.tutsplus.com/articles/top-
brainstorming-techniques--cms-27181

2) Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertbtucker/
2017/11/16/seven-brainstorming-
techniques-for-your-next-ideation-
session/#43f361b16d5d

3)The Writing Center- UNC Chapel

Hill https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-
tools/brainstorming/

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