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Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a powerful tool, an idea generator. It is best used with a group of individuals. The different views and perspectives of a group will often generate many more responses, some of them unique or new to the other individuals.

 

It is not always possible to gather a group of individuals for a brainstorming session. With that in mind, we offer you this simple tool, that will assist you in an individual brainstorming session. Consider it a starting point.

Quick Brainstorm

tools: pen, paper and Item list (see below)

 

Simple analogy is an effective brainstorming method to generate ideas by using pictures, words or objects. This tool is an opportunity to move outside the boundaries of the original concern. Analogies are simply statements of comparison. A comparison of some object to another. 

 

Instructions:

1. Find a favorite place to think.

2. Identify the topic that you wish to generate ideas about. Make it clear and concise. Write it down on the top of your paper. Draw a line down the center of your page.

3. Select an item from the list below. Use your watch or clock, pick a random item based on the location of the second hand. 

4. Describe the item; its' shape, function, uniqueness, ways it is used, effect it has on people, its' purpose. Write your descriptions on the left side of your paper.

5. Connect the "item" to your topic. Link your descriptions to your original concern. Not every description can be connected. Write your connection on the right side of the paper.

6. Have FUN. Allow yourself the freedom to think wildly. You may surprise yourself with new and innovative ideas. Note: Try it with more than one item to get more results.

1.thermometer

2. totem pole

3. thermometer

4. calendar

5. bottle

6. coffee pot

7. automobile

8. telephone

9. paper clip

10. stapler

11. snake

12. pickle

13. hammer

14. mirror

15, clock

 

 

31. airplane

32. streetlight

33. turkey

34. milk

35. mountain

36. moon

37. internet

38. dog

39. computer

40. seashell

41. polar bear

42. ship

43. thumb tack

44. star

45. sunrise

 

 

16. microscope

17. radio

18. rabbit

19. pretzel

20. umbrella

21. watch

22. goat

23. garlic

24. baseball

25.butterfly

26. chair

27. cloud

28. bird nest

29. raccoon

30. spoon

 

 

46. street

47. bell

48. tiger

49. tree

50. football

51. eyeglasses

52. window

53. bicycle

54. finger

55. flower

56. wind chime

57. briefcase

58. trash can

59. bridge

60. smoke

 

 

Item List

Example: 

 

How can we improve our team's communication?

 

The second hand of my watch rested on 14. This corresponded to the word "mirror" on the item list. I described a mirror. I then linked the descriptions to my original concern. The results are documented in the following chart.

14. Mirror

 

  • used for appearance

  • reflective

  • has an edge

  • evokes feelings

  • fragile, can break

Improve Communication

 

  • we are seen by how we communicate

  • watch what we say

  • understand the boundaries

  • be considerate of others

  • recognize that relationships can be fagile

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