What is Brainstorm?
What is the definition of brainstorming?
Brainstorm is also known as brainstorming in Vietnamese. Brainstorm is a method used to explore and generate multiple ideas for a problem. There are many examples of brainstorming in action. That could be when you suddenly come up with a new idea for decorating your room, anywhere. That is brainstorming or brainstorming.
This method can be performed by one or more people. That’s why in the next section we will learn about group brainstorming and individual brainstorming .
There are many definitions of brainstorming . Since it is applied in many fields, if you look at different areas, the definition of brainstorming may be a little different. However, the essence of this method has not changed and is very simple.
Một giải thích đến từ Interaction Design Foundation – một tổ chức chuyên về thiết kế trải nghiệm người dùng (UI/UX): “Brainstorming is a method design teams use to generate ideas to solve clearly defined design problems. In controlled conditions and a free-thinking environment, teams approach a problem by such means as “How Might We” questions. They produce a vast array of ideas and draw links between them to find potential solutions.”
“ Brainstorming is a method the design team uses to develop ideas to solve pre-defined problems. They approach a problem by asking questions, such as “How can we do that?” under controlled conditions or free-thinking environments. They generate a series of ideas and link them together to find potential solutions.”
Above is an example of the concept of brainstorming or brainstorming in the field of design in particular and creativity in general.
Next, learn a bit about the origin history of brainstorming.
Origin of brainstorming method
SEO Marketing Alex Osborn is considered the father of the term brainstorming . Brainstorming was mentioned by him in his 1953 book, Applied Imagination .
In it, he describes brainstorming as a method of consultation carried out by a group of people to find a solution to their problem by gathering the ideas of all members that arise at the same time. certain.
Later, Charles Hutchison Clark continued to develop this technique. Brainstorming is applied a lot in teaching as well as in any field when it is necessary to solve a problem or find an answer to a question.
The role of brainstorming in group and individual tasks
Group Brainstorm
Group brainstorming is how the creator of this method – Alex Osborn first mentioned. Group brainstorming is very familiar and is often used in learning or working environments.
When a group needs to discuss to come up with ideas for a presentation or a marketing department gets together to “generate” ideas for a new product communication campaign. Those are the times when group brainstorming comes into play.
There are some notes while brainstorming in groups that we need to know as follows:
- Choosing the right time to brainstorm is very important. Simply because if you are in a bad mental and physical state, you will not want to think at all. So don’t force your colleagues or subordinates to do this. Spend about 30 to 60 minutes during the time when everyone has the most positive energy to brainstorm together.
- The location where the brainstorm takes place is equally important. Companies will often have soundproof meeting rooms. It was an ideal place. If not, choose a quiet place to avoid outside influences affecting the brainstorming process. Temporarily away from distracting electronic devices is also necessary.
- It is advisable to take notes and save each member’s ideas. Write down all the ideas that come up after everyone’s brainstorming. After that, the whole group will have materials to discuss and come up with the best ideas.
- Respect everyone’s opinions and actively listen, comment and give suggestions.
- Among the people with brainstorming, there will be those who easily share their opinions, there are also those who are the opposite. What you need to do, especially as a team leader, is to encourage and create comfort for people to easily speak their mind. To do this, the element of respect and equality is when teamwork is essential.
Brainstorming in groups is where the Big Idea is created. Therefore, take advantage of every opportunity as a group to sit down and brainstorm effectively.
Personal Brainstorm
Brainstorming alone when we need to find an answer to a question is something we experience often. When brainstorming individually , apply the following guidelines.
- Choose a quiet location, not disturbed by any outside agents. This makes it easy to focus your brainstorming.
- Relax your body and focus on the problem that needs to be solved. It is best to thoroughly research the problem/problem you are trying to solve to understand all the factors involved. From there, you will easily deepen the chain of relevance points, suggestions and quickly “brainstorm” the answer. Brainstorming combined with preparation or prior research is the most effective method.
- “Open” to all your thoughts and thoughts. Any ideas that pop into your head during brainstorming are valuable and worth writing down. You won’t believe how the most stupid ideas can turn out to be extraordinary.
- Jot down all your ideas to get the big picture. Then, continue to dissect, analyze, integrate, and develop them to come up with a “best” final idea.
Brainstorming is widely applied in learning. At work, it is also a method that promotes the development of thinking and brings about more creative and productive ways of working. Whether it’s a group or individual brainstorm, great ideas are the fruit that you can achieve if implemented correctly.
Here are the steps to brainstorm the most effective way.
Steps to perform brainstom
Step 1: Identify the problem that needs to be brainstormed
Before starting brainstorming, in groups or individually, the first thing to do is to determine what the problem needs to be brainstormed.
You need to solve a problem, what is the problem? Where is your sticking point? Which formula should be applied?
Your team needs to come up with a tag line for a new product ad campaign. So how does a tag line become viral is the question that needs to be answered.
The purpose of brainstorming is to find solutions/answers to the questions posed. If it’s difficult to pinpoint the problem, ask questions.
Step 2: Define rules while brainstorming
If brainstorming in groups, determine who is the leader of the group, who is the secretary to record all ideas and discussions of everyone. The group leader will lead the entire brainstorming session.
Some rules need to be agreed in advance such as:
- Respect each other
- Everyone needs to voice their opinion
- Don’t make noise when people are thinking
- Time to conduct brainstorming
- Listen and respond to the opinions of others
Do not overindulge yourself when brainstorming personally. Set rules to help you focus your brainstorming.
Step 3: Share and record comments
If brainstorming in groups, let each person take turns sharing their thoughts and ideas. At this time, the secretary is responsible for recording all comments. Members can also record for later commenting on the opinions of others.
Taking notes is no exception to personal brainstorming.
Step 4: Screening ideas
After people or individuals have shared their ideas, consider them carefully and then pool similar ideas and discard ideas that don’t work.
Step 5: Evaluate, develop, and conclude
Now everyone needs to once again evaluate the ideas to see which one makes the most sense in the end. This step is very important to find the final answer.
What are the things to avoid when brainstorming?
Some things not to do during group and individual brainstorming:
- Team members do not respect each other’s opinions, leading to arguments.
- There is no equality of shared rights among members
- The place is too noisy, many distractions, making it difficult for you to concentrate
- The brainstom timing is not appropriate.
- Everyone in the group has not understood the purpose of the brainstorming session or otherwise the problem.
- Do not jot down ideas
Conclude
Above is Malu’s answer to the question what is brainstorming that is very familiar but may also be new to someone. Hope that you – who are wondering about brainstorming have had the answer for you through this article.
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