Introduction

This weekend I’m going to BarCampMilwaukee – a free “unconference” where, “the attendees are in charge of what happens.” Participants don’t watch VIPs on a stage. They participate.

I will propose a session in which we brainstorm the act of brainstorming (because I love reflexive systems). That’s a technique groups can use to explore an issue or solve a problem. Below are notes I’ve prepared ahead of time. I’ll update this post after the session.

Preparation: What to Do Before you Brainstorm

• Explain the problem and its history clearly
• Invite people with different backgrounds and expertise
• Write the objective of the session prominently
• Lay out possible criteria for solutions
• Distribute rules to participants

Rules: Give these to Everyone Ahead of Time

• The more ideas the better
• Criticism is not allowed
• If you are passionate don’t overpower the group. Instead channel that energy to encourage others.
• Try to build on others’ ideas

Guidelines

• Keep the session fun, playful and absurd
• Wild ideas are wonderful
  
• Encourage everyone
• Groups of 5 or 6 people may work best
• Session under 30 minutes
• Participants should be comfortable
• Watch the clock
• Keep the discussion somewhat focused

Techniques to Generate Ideas

• Use Post-it notes. Leader asks a question. Participants write answers on post it notes even if they speak them aloud. They place them on a wall and arrange them in clusters. Then they suggest literal and metaphoric titles for each cluster.
• Explore different perspectives. What would a 19th Century farmer or a West Coast housewife think?
• List cliches about the subject. For example, while discussing the implications of technology people always say, “technology isn’t inherently bad, but it can be used for bad.”
• List movies and novels which depict the subject. Dr. Dan Novack used this technique well to explore possible futures of humanity.
• “Cube” the subject. Explore it in 6 ways: describe it, compare it, associate it, analyze it, apply it, argue for and against it)
• Ask the journalistic questions. Who, what when, where, why, how?)

How the Facilitator Can Revive a Slowed Session

• Read every 3rd idea
• Keep a few ideas private as backup
• Everyone can stand up
• Rearrange the furniture
• Continue the discussion while walking outside as a group

Specific Questions for the Group

• How to treat technology use (cell phones, laptops)? Are they distractions? Should they be outlawed all together? If not, what rules should govern their use during a brainstorm?

Resources

Techniques

• Brainstorming techniques that work
• Brainstorming

Tools

• FreeMind – Pros: free, open-source, light weight

technorati tags: brainstorm, brainstorming, howto, resource, mindmap, creativity