Brainstorming Brainstorming Rick Sheridan , Instructor, Chico State University and Butte College rainstorming is a method for developing creative solutions to a variety of challenges. It works by focusing on a problem, and deliberately coming up with as many unusual solutions as possible. Once the group has brainstormed as many options as possible, analyze these ideas and further refine the best possibilities. Members of the group should be encouraged to have fun brainstorming in an environment where creativity is welcomed. No idea should be criticized or evaluated during the brainstorming session.
Criticism stifles creativity and discourages participation.
Members of the group should come up with their own new ideas and also try to expand on other suggestions. A record should be kept of the ideas on a chalkboard or as a tape recording for subsequent evaluation. A variety of software programs have recently been developed to help record ideas and to encourage creation of new ideas. About 15 years ago, I participated in an arts-related brainstorming group in the San Francisco area. Everyone had a chance to present a problem, either professional or personal, and individuals in the group would call out possible solutions.