blog posts

One of the problems of entrepreneurs and people who are looking to start an online business is to find different ideas and choose the right ideas from among them for verification. Using these methods will increase your pace and creativity in brainstorming.

Effective techniques in brainstorming

1. Scamper technique

SCAMPER is a method of ideation designed by Bob Eberle that considers the power of will in brainstorming as the main inspiration. It consists of a well-known checklist that helps a person present ideas for enhancing existing products or producing a brand new product. The scamper technique list includes the following:

The letter S is derived from the word substitution.

C, which comes from the word combine, means to combine.

A, which comes from the word adapt, means transformation and adjustment.

M, which refers to the word magnify, means magnification.

P is borrowed from the word put to other uses meaning used in other cases.

E is derived from the word elimination meaning to eliminate.

R, which comes from the word reverse, means inversion.

2. Brainstorming

In this process, many solutions to a specific problem are proposed. The focus here is on the number of ideas, not their rightness or wrongness. That is, all people, without fear of criticism, express their opinions willingly and their ideas are accepted with open arms. In fact, in a brainstorming session, the more unconventional the idea, the better! Because reducing the foliage of big or weird ideas is easier than turning small ideas into an effective solution.

Many times a few small ideas are combined to get a good idea. This is also called: 3 = 1 + 1!

Although brainstorming can be done by one person (have you not seen people talking to themselves ?!), usually setting up such brainstorming is group work done with a group of 6 to 10 people.

3. Listing

Listing is a purely analytical method in which we identify the strengths, list the various characteristics of the product or service offered. For example, to understand how we can improve a product, we separate its parts, record the physical properties of each part, and examine all the functions of each part to see what positive or negative effect changes in each of them  In product performance.

4. Mind plan

A mind map is a graphic technique used to draw the connection between different pieces of information collected or ideas. In this technique, each data or idea is written on paper and then attached to the idea or data before or after it with a line or curve. In this way, a network of relationships is created. The technique was first developed in the ideological world by a British researcher named Tony Buzan in his 1972 book Use the Heads.

Mind maps are used in brainstorming and project planning. This technique is also used in problem solving and note-taking. Like all other mapping techniques, the mind mapping technique seeks to classify information so that it can share concepts and ideas with others.

To create a mind map, we must first write a phrase or word in the middle of the page. Next, we need to write down everything that comes to mind about that word or phrase in the corners of the same page, in no particular order. Finally, we must try to find the connection between all those phrases or words.

5. Visualization and visual stimuli

Visualization means to understand a problem ‌ to examine it visually. In this way, you no longer have to think about the problem yourself, but focus on a completely different part (ie the image or images). But the point is that as you look at the picture, your subconscious mind is still thinking about the main issue. In this way, through discovery and impulse, you suddenly come up with many and varied solutions that you need to write down quickly.

One of the best techniques for the mind to communicate ideas and points is to use visual motivations. These incentives awaken a person’s feelings, emotions, and instincts, which are often used in brainstorming and the face of creative challenges.

The way it works is that the facilitator (the person in charge of performing the technique) distributes several pre-prepared photos among the participants. Then he wants them to look at the picture they have and write whatever they want. Bryan Mattimore believes that the image should be visually appealing, address several issues, and show different types of communication.

In the next step, the participants form two-person teams and talk about the ideas that come to their minds to address the issue being discussed in a brief and useful brainstorm. Finally, these two groups of people share their selected ideas with others.

6. Storyboard

You may have heard about using this technique in cinemas before. The role of the storyboard in ideation is not much different from its use in cinema; That is, we are going to use it to create a visual story to achieve the desired idea. Storyboards allow creative people to share information they have acquired during research.

To use this technique, you have to display the various steps and information about each idea on separate sheets or cards and place them side by side on a board, panel, or any other surface you like. Also, instead of using the card, you may just drag the frame.

7. Roleplay

Yes, you read that right! In this way, we “play” the idea. In this way, each person assumes the role of one of the members or components involved in the idea and plays that role just like a theater; It is both prophecy and watching. You both have fun and people come out of the lock and their minds open up. This will make you expect an amazing idea at every moment.

8. Morphological analysis

This technique uses structural recognition of different aspects of the problem and the study of the relationships between them. For example, suppose the problem is the production of a T-shirt. Here we have three important aspects: gender, ‌ color, ‌ size. Each of these dimensions may normally have several states or properties. For example, T-shirts may be available in three colors: blue, green and red.

Now assuming we have 4 different genders and 3 sizes, ‌ 3 × 4 × 3 different combinations will be possible for such a problem. As work progresses, we may conclude that one of these properties needs to be changed or new combinations created.

9. Forced links

This is a very simple technique: we combine completely different ideas to come up with a new idea. The result may not be very unique and special, but it is usually interesting and exciting.

Many of the products we use today are the result of forced bonds. For example, 2 hours that is also a calculator; Shoes that light up; Nails that also have a door opener, and so on. The result of this method is less likely to lead to discoveries or revolutionary products, but usually, the products obtained have a good market.

10. Daydreaming

Although many do not agree, Daydreaming is one of the best ways to come up with great ideas. The word “dreaming” itself allows us to think very comfortably and playfully. In this way, an emotional connection is established between the person and the problem, which facilitates the achievement of extraordinary ideas.

When we talk about daydreaming in terms of ideation, we mean useful daydreaming in the direction of a specific purpose. Many inventors have come up with pure ideas from this dream. The best example? The invention of the airplane! If the Wright brothers had not allowed their dreams to fly, humans would still be riding carts!

11. Thought writing

This method is also very simple. Ask participants to write down their ideas instead of announcing them. Take a few minutes to do this, and then everyone should give their writing to someone else. This person reads the text and adds a few to them. The sheets are exchanged again after a few minutes. After, say, 15 minutes, someone collects the worksheets and you discuss them in the same session.

12. Reverse thinking

From the word “reverse thinking” itself, it is clear that this method is different from logical and standard methods. That is, instead of thinking about the problem, we should think of opposing ideas! For example, instead of “How do I get more followers?”, Solve the problem of “How do I do that I have no followers at all?” You will find that it is easier for most people to come up with a negative idea because it gives them more fun! But do not spend too much time thinking backward. 10-15 The opposite idea is enough.

At the end of the session, you can either continue brainstorming in the same reverse space, or you can reverse the issue again for court action. For example, “I will no longer update any of my social media accounts” changes to “I will always keep my social media accounts up to date from now on.”

13. Questioning assumptions

In most businesses, there are unwritten but effective principles that everyone uses to get things done. Unfortunately, no one realizes that questioning these assumptions at every step means opening the door to new ideas and possibilities!

“Participants need to have a framework for a creative challenge,” says Mattimore about questioning beliefs. Then they have to make 20 to 30 premises (whether true or false). “The next step is to select a few of them and use them as a stimulus to come up with a new idea or start thinking.”

14. Social interaction

If employees are only supposed to associate with their co-workers and friends, ‌ after a while they become one-dimensional and look at things from only one angle. So allow them to socialize with people in other workplaces, such as encouraging them to join LinkedIn and engage in useful conversations.

This updates their perspective and may lead to new mental sparks. Socializing in the realm of ideation may even lead to conversations that have nothing to do with the problem.

15. Collaboration

As the title suggests, in the technique of joint efforts, two or more people join hands to achieve a specific goal. Designers usually act this way and give wings to their creative ideas by collaborating with others and teammates.

Which technique you should use can be determined by considering the type of problem, the attitude of managers and employees to the issue, and the facilities available. In any case, do not forget that the more freely and “naturally” the ideation process is followed, the better the idea will be.