• 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?"

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 bette...