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GENERATING
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Brainstorming
Purpose: To generate a large number of ideas quickly. Intended for non-technical open-ended projects/problems
Time: Varies
Equipment: Flipchart
- #1 Preparation: Make the problem/project statement clearly visible. Select a recorder to write ideas on the flipchart, and a controller who will ensure that the rules are being met. State and/or remind team of the four basic rules of brainstorming (creating a poster of this may help):
· defer all judgment; no "yes, buts;" only "yes, ands."
· piggy back on others' ideas,
· crazy ideas are acceptable, and
· generate as many ideas as possible.
Optional: As a guide, suggest a quota for the number of ideas you wish to ideally find. A good rule of thumb is to ask the group how many ideas they can come up with, and then add 20% more to determine a quota.
#2 Spend no more than 45 minutes generating ideas on the problem statement. Only one idea should be suggested at a time. Should there be a violation of a rule (such as defer judgment), the controller should gently make it known and go on. The recorder writes down the ideas, making sure not to interpret or alter them. The ideas can be numbered, if you use the optional quota technique.
Round Robin Alternative: To provide everyone with an equal chance to generate ideas...Going around the circle or table, each person is given an opportunity to share an idea. Should someone wish not to say something, s/he has the option to pass, but discourage this. The ideas are to be written on the flipchart as the ideas are being stated. Go around until nobody has any ideas left.
Brainwriting
Purpose: To generate ideas independently using others' ideas as stimuli.
Time: Varies
Equipment: 3"x 5" cards, pieces of paper or Post-Its™ and writing instruments for each person.
- #1 The group should be seated around a table, and then given a problem statement.
#2 Members individually write down their ideas about the problem on cards or sheets of paper, one idea per card/sheet. Once an idea is written it is put into the middle of the table, where it can be reached by anyone in the group.
#3 When a group member is at a standstill s/he draws, at random, one of the idea cards/sheets from the middle of the table. This idea should trigger a new idea. If it doesn't, then the member should pick another card/sheet until a new idea is triggered. The new idea is written on its own card and added to the pile in the middle of the table.
Nominal Group Technique
Purpose: To anonymously generate ideas
Time: Varies
Equipment: One flipchart and markers, cards and writing instrument (all with same color ink).
- #1The problem statement is given to the group. Ask any clarification questions. Designate someone to write on the flipchart.
#2 Hand out blank cards to everyone in the group. Give the group 3-5 minutes to write one idea on each card. If a member does not have an idea, s/he can leave the card blank.
#3 The cards are collected, taking care not to show the source of the ideas, and are shuffled. The recorder transcribes the ideas on to the flipchart.
#4 Any member is permitted to propose a rewording of an item, an elimination of an apparently duplicated item, or to combine similar items into one. However, if anyone objects to the proposed change, the proposal process stops.
#5 Step #2 through #4 are repeated several times until an idea-generating round turns up only blank cards.
For more processes and hardcopy of the above you can order 
