Brainstorming is a creativity technique that is used to quickly generate a lot of new ideas.  You can brainstorm by yourself, but usually you do this with a group. Brainstorming uses associations, connections and combinations of different ideas to generate new ideas. There are currently hundreds of brainstorming methods you can use. Spilter can be used with practically all these methods. For example, you can brainstorm online, at multiple locations or remotely. All these methods give you fast and clear results. We will summarise the most common and interesting brainstorming techniques for you here below:  

Brainwriting

Brainwriting is used where brainstorming cannot be used due to too many participants or because it is impossible to get everyone together. Based on the formulated issue or question, all participants can send in their ideas, questions and remarks.  These responses are added to the base document.  A routing mechanism is used, whereby the different participants then write down what they think of a certain item, or they give constructive remarks about earlier descriptions.

Brown Paper session

A large sheet of paper on the wall, which shows the actions we are going to take, the roles each of us will play (also outside the team), the obstacles that are still in the way, and the objectives that must be met. Read more about it here. 

Yellow paper

This is particularly useful for ranking processes or procedures. Participants first name everything and attach it to the paper, then they move items around and add new ones. The process of ranking  things in order and improving the flow gains increasingly more structure.  Besides improving workflow, it is also an excellent tool for gaining acceptance of a new procedure.

Six Thinking Hats technique

Each participant in this session receives a (virtual) coloured hat. The black hat may mean that this person plays the devil’s advocate. The person with the white hat only provides facts and information.  Everyone is assigned a role, whereby all points of view are included in the discussion.

Role Exchange

The client becomes the contractor, the contractor becomes the supplier, the supplier is the project manager and the project manager is the customer. Walking in someone else’s shoes provides participants with a broader perspective of the challenge and a better understanding of the other person’s role.  This is an enriching experience.

Metaphorical Thinking

Describe the situation like you would tell a fairy tale; make a drawing or a cartoon.  How would Willem Bever solve the issue? Metaphorical thinking provides participants an opportunity to express themselves differently, which makes the issue easier to understand, both for you and for the others.

SIT

SIT is a controlled brainstorming process, whereby hypotheses are continuously formulated and validated. This is a systematic and very effective approach towards the clever and thorough renewal and renovation of products and (production) processes. Read more about it here.

Scenario Thinking

Common bottlenecks are avoided by confronting participants with a certain scenario. What do we do next if our market position improves by 300% because our two biggest competitors drop out? How do we rebuild the company after everything has been destroyed by fire? Choose the scenario that best matches with your situation and it will clarify the results, which will lead to action.

Lateral Thinking

People are forced to come up with ideas via a certain object, person or method.  The pressure prevents them from using the same, usual thought processes, which will offer opportunities for fresh and new ideas.

PMI

A very simple, but well-structured method to map out positive points, negative points and interesting matters.

Pushing the Limits

The idea is to remove or to substantially push aside all limitations How would you do this if you had all the time or money in the world, if the customer is never happy, or if you could use the latest and greatest technologies? Let your imagination run wild.

Science Fiction

Imagine that we are living in the year 2030. What will the world be like then? How will your company be faring? What are you doing? Are there still hierarchical relationships? What do the raw materials / product lines look like? This is an excellent starting point for strategic exploration and planning sessions.

Morphological Analysis

Morphological Analysis is a method to study a problem in great detail from every angle. A problem is broken down into smaller parts in order to see what discoveries can be made for each part separately. It is a simple technique that always delivers good results. This creative method is similar to the classic children’s game: head, body and legs.