Editing Brainstorming (section)

==Variations==

===Nominal group technique===
{{main|Nominal group technique}}
Participants are asked to write their ideas anonymously. Then the facilitator collects the ideas and the group votes on each idea. The vote can be as simple as a show of hands in favor of a given idea. This process is called distillation.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

After distillation, the top-ranked ideas may be sent back to the group or to subgroups for further brainstorming. For example, one group may work on the color required in a product. Another group may work on the size, and so forth. Each group will come back to the whole group for ranking the listed ideas. Sometimes ideas that were previously dropped may be brought forward again once the group has re-evaluated the ideas.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

It is important that the facilitator is trained in this process before attempting to facilitate this technique. The group should be primed and encouraged to embrace the process. Like all team efforts, it may take a few practice sessions to train the team in the method before tackling the important ideas.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

===Group passing technique===
Each person in a circular group writes down one idea, and then passes the piece of paper to the next person, who adds some thoughts. This continues until everybody gets his or her original piece of paper back. By this time, it is likely that the group will have extensively elaborated on each idea.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

The group may also create an "idea book" and post a distribution list or routing slip to the front of the book. On the first page is a description of the problem. The first person to receive the book lists his or her ideas and then routes the book to the next person on the distribution list. The second person can log new ideas or add to the ideas of the previous person. This continues until the distribution list is exhausted. A follow-up "read out" meeting is then held to discuss the ideas logged in the book. This technique takes longer, but it allows individuals time to think deeply about the problem.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

===Team idea mapping method===
This method of brainstorming works by the method of [[Association (psychology)|association]]. It may improve collaboration and increase the quantity of ideas, and is designed so that all attendees participate and no ideas are rejected.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

The process begins with a well-defined topic. Each participant brainstorms individually, then all the ideas are merged onto one large idea map. During this consolidation phase, participants may discover a common understanding of the issues as they share the meanings behind their ideas. During this sharing, new ideas may arise by the association, and they are added to the map as well. Once all the ideas are captured, the group can prioritize and/or take action.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-05-21 |title=What is Mind Mapping? (and How to Get Started Immediately) |url=https://mindmapai.app/blog/41/what-is-mind-map |access-date=2025-04-09 |publisher=mindmapai.app}}</ref>

===Directed brainstorming===
Directed brainstorming is a variation of electronic brainstorming (described below). It can be done manually or with computers. Directed brainstorming works when the solution space (that is, the set of criteria for evaluating a good idea) is known prior to the session.  If known, those criteria can be used to constrain the [[Ideation (Idea Generation)|ideation]] process intentionally.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

In directed brainstorming, each participant is given one sheet of paper (or electronic form) and told the brainstorming question. They are asked to produce one response and stop, then all of the papers (or forms) are randomly swapped among the participants. The participants are asked to look at the idea they received and to create a new idea that improves on that idea based on the initial criteria. The forms are then swapped again and respondents are asked to improve upon the ideas, and the process is repeated for three or more rounds.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

In the laboratory, directed brainstorming has been found to almost triple the productivity of groups over electronic brainstorming.<ref>Santanen, E., Briggs, R. O., & de Vreede, G-J. (2004). Causal Relationships in Creative Problem Solving: Comparing Facilitation Interventions for Ideation.  ''Journal of Management Information Systems''. ''20(4)'', 167-198.</ref>

===Guided brainstorming===
A guided brainstorming session is time set aside to brainstorm either individually or as a collective group about a particular subject under the constraints of perspective and time. This type of brainstorming removes all cause for conflict and constrains conversations while stimulating critical and creative thinking in an engaging, balanced environment.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

Participants are asked to adopt different mindsets for pre-defined period of time while contributing their ideas to a central mind map drawn by a pre-appointed scribe. Having examined a multi-perspective point of view, participants seemingly see the simple solutions that collectively create greater growth. Action is assigned individually.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

Following a guided brainstorming session participants emerge with ideas ranked for further brainstorming, research and questions remaining unanswered and a prioritized, assigned, actionable list that leaves everyone with a clear understanding of what needs to happen next and the ability to visualize the combined future focus and greater goals of the group nicely.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

===Individual brainstorming===
''Individual brainstorming'' is the use of brainstorming in solitary situations. It typically includes such techniques as [[free writing]], free speaking, word association, and drawing a [[mind map]], which is a visual note taking technique in which people diagram their thoughts. Individual brainstorming is a useful method in [[creative writing]] and has been shown to be superior to traditional group brainstorming.<ref>Furnham, A., & Yazdanpanahi, T. (1995). [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/019188699500009U Personality differences and group versus individual brainstorming]. ''Personality and Individual Differences'', ''19'', 73-80.</ref><ref name="DiehlStroebe61"/>

===Question brainstorming===
This process involves brainstorming the ''questions'', rather than trying to come up with immediate answers and short-term solutions. Theoretically, this technique should not inhibit participation as there is no need to provide solutions. The answers to the questions form the framework for constructing future action plans. Once the list of questions is set, it may be necessary to prioritize them to reach to the best solution in an orderly way.<ref>Ludy, Perry J. Profit Building: Cutting Costs Without Cutting People. San Francisco: Berret-Koehler, Inc, 2000. Print.</ref>

"Questorming" is another term for this mode of inquiry.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100128074459/http://www.pynthan.com/vri/questorm.htm Questorming: An Outline of the Method]}}, Jon Roland, 1985</ref>