Brainstorming: Generating Many Radical, Creative Ideas

While group brainstorming is often more effective at generating ideas than normal group problem solving, several studies have shown that individual brainstorming produces more – and often better – ideas than group brainstorming.

Individual brainstorming can produce better ideas because you're less likely to run into counter-productive behaviors.

However, the best brainstorming takes advantage of both individual and group work.

• Find comfortable setting
• Minimize distractions
• Use tools you're comfortable with (e.g., mind maps)
• Clearly define the problem
• Develop list of related questions
• Record your first idea
• Ask yourself, "If this idea couldn't be made to work, what would be the next best idea?"