Brainstorming, a Method for Quickly Generating Ideas

Some of us have probably been irritated or frustrated by running out of ideas while we were working or creating an assignment. Brainstorming can help us overcome this. Brainstorming generally done in groups, but can also be done independently.

Brainstorming is a method that can be used to solve various problems and generate as many new ideas as possible quickly. As the name suggests, brainstorm aims to stimulate the brain to think logically, spontaneously, and creatively.

Various Benefits Brainstorming

There are various benefits that you can get from the process brainstorming, that is:

  • Solve the problem
  • Generate new innovations or ideas
  • Clarify or embody abstract ideas
  • Simplifying ideas that are too big and difficult to achieve
  • Encourage creativity

Brainstorming Groups and Individuals

As said before, brainstorm usually done in groups.

Brainstorming in groups can be a means to contribute ideas and creative ideas freely and openly. The more participants who follow brainstorming, the richer and more diverse the ideas generated.

Although generally carried out in groups, brainstorm can also be done alone. Some studies even mention that brainstorm individuals often produce higher quality ideas than brainstorm group.

Because, when brainstorm In groups, sometimes a person can think too much about other people's ideas or opinions. This can make us feel afraid or hesitant to put forward an idea in front of many people, even though it may be a very good idea.

On the other hand, in brainstorm individuals, we can more freely express the ideas that exist.

Way to do Brainstorming

Actually there are many ways brainstorm what you can do. However, there are 2 approaches that are commonly used, both in groups and independently, namely:

Asking question

One method brainstorm what is mostly done is by asking questions to gather as much information as possible regarding the matter to be discussed.

You can start with basic questions, such as:

  • What is the cause of the problem?
  • When did the problem occur?
  • Where did the problem occur?
  • Who is involved in the problem?
  • Why did the problem occur?
  • How did the problem occur?

If the basic questions above have been answered, these answers can be developed into follow-up questions that will lead you to ideas and solutions to existing problems.

Free writing

Writing is a method brainstorm which aims to flow the ideas in the brain into written form. To do method brainstorm In this case, you need to set a time or space limit to write down your ideas, for example 10 minutes or on 3 sheets of paper.

Write down all the ideas that come to your mind regarding the problem at hand. You don't have to worry about the quality of the writing, because the goal brainstorm is to generate ideas.

After you finish writing, try to read the ideas that you have put into writing. After that, choose an idea that has the potential to be a solution to the problem at hand.

Things to Pay Attention to When Brainstorming

There are several things that need to be considered during the process brainstorm in progress, namely:

1. Avoid criticizing

When doing brainstorming, as much as possible avoid criticizing or immediately doubting the ideas that arise, especially when brainstorm in Group. Remember that brainstorm This is done to open all the possibilities that exist for the creation of solutions or innovations for these problems.

2. Appreciate all ideas that come up

Moment brainstorm, all ideas and ideas should be accepted and respected, even if they may be very unique or sound improbable. Precisely ideas like this can provoke better ideas from other group members.

3. Analysis of the resulting ideas

After process brainstorm done, brilliant ideas resulting from the process brainstorm should be analyzed further. That way, these ideas can become a more complete and solution idea.

Brainstorming can be an excellent means of generating a solution to a problem. However, there are times when this method is not suitable for solving the problem for some people.

If you are one of those people, don't give up just yet because there are other methods you can do. To find out which problem-solving method suits you, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist.