Brainstorming & Mindmapping
It is easier to tone down a wild idea than think up a new one
Alex F. Osborne 'Father of the Brain Storm'
What is brainstorming?
Brainstorming is essentially targeting a specific issue, generating ideas, then re-examining them as options, eliminating and modifying - until a solution is reached. Osborne (1963) describes brainstorming as a conference technique by which a group attempts to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously by its membersť. This technique relies on an environment where a group of participants can freely offer up ideas without inhibition, or regard for rule. Brainstorming can be done individually or in a group. It is recommended that individual brainstorming sessions be revisited on different occasions, as this can have the same effect as different people participating.
Tips:
- Quantity breeds Quality: the more ideas you have, the more you have to choose from
- Suspend judgment: create a supportive environment
- 1+1=3 - Combine and improve ideas
- Plan complex brainstorming sessions
References:
Osborn, Alex F. (1963). Applied Imagination: principles and procedures of creative problem-solving. New York: Scribner
Nast, J. (2006). Idea Mapping. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons
For links to brainstorming tools click here: www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.php
How do you create a mind map?
Mind mapping is an image-centered radial graphic organization technique, comparable to a 'semantic network' or 'cognitive map'. In research, it can be an effective, non-linear, way of organizing information, recording brainstorming sessions, managing projects, note-taking, and problem solving. It can be used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas. The non-hierarchal, non-sequential nature of the diagram allows for free association of ideas, and is an ideal way to capture a wide range of perspectives around a central theme or issue, without first needing to prioritise them, or justify their relationship to any other sub-categories.
Tips:
- Write down ALL ideas: encourage innovation, validate all contributions
- Go FAST, get PHYSICAL: stimulate your brain with physical movement
- Use images, words and different colours: remove restrictions on how you write the ideas, and the ideas themselves
References:
Buzan, T. (1991). The Mind Map Book. New York: Penguin
Nast, J. (2006). Idea Mapping. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons
For links to mindmapping tools click here:
www.jcu.edu.au/studying/services/studyskills/mindmap/howto.html