Description Long

Brainstorming is about generating as many ideas as possible in a short period of time. These ideas are then organised and evaluated in later steps. The focus lies on quantity, with evaluation and sorting postponed until after the initial idea generation. Brainstorming is particularly well-suited for the early stages of projects and for addressing less complex problems.

Preparation

• Find a topic or an open, clearly defined question.
• Introduce the participants to the topic.
• Prepare a flipchart, whiteboard, or digital tools such as Miro or MURAL for online facilitation.

Execution

1. The facilitator presents the question or topic and explains the basic rules of brainstorming:

• No criticism or evaluation during the idea generation phase
• Quantity over quality
• Every idea is welcome, including unusual or unrealistic ones
• Ideas may be picked up and further developed by others

2. All participants share their ideas either in turn or freely. The facilitator visibly records the ideas (e.g., on a flipchart or whiteboard).

• Optional: Participants may first write down their ideas individually before sharing them with the group.

3. After the brainstorming session, the collected ideas are sorted, grouped, and discussed. Unusable or duplicate ideas can be removed, and promising approaches can be prioritized.

Hints from experience

• It is important in brainstorming that all participants first generate ideas individually, as otherwise some ideas may be lost while thinking about others' contributions. This approach also allows introverted individuals to participate without being overshadowed by more extroverted group members.

Tools list

• Papier cards (blank)
• Paper and pencil

References