What is brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a spontaneous group activity which rapidly generates ideas without any evaluation or filtering of suggestions. Every idea suggested is documented for future consideration. The techniques of brainstorming was introduced by Alex Osborn in 1942 (Besant, 2016) and has been used widely for a number of different applications.
Why use brainstorming?
There are many benefits of using brainstorming techniques.
- It enables the generation of multiple ideas.
- It is beneficial for a neurodivergent audience who may have a very different approaches to problem solving.
- It is a levelling activity which gives everyone a voice.
- It gets people out of a rut and gets them thinking about problems rather than just trying to deal with them.
- It brings about alignment within teams as it gets everyone thinking about the problem in the same way.
The International Institute for Management Development (2025) identify a number of different types of brainstorming.
- Classical brainstorming as described by Osborn is used as an introductory activity to generate initial ideas and get everyone thinking about the problem. This is the one we are most familiar with.
- Reverse brainstorming looks at the negative impacts rather that looking at how we could solve a problem. This is useful for identifying problems not uncovered before. This is a good method for challenging assumptions, i.e. the problems we think we have to solve.
- Role storming involves using personas, e.g. How would Bill Gates tackle this problem? This encourages creative thinking within a role.
Tool/Software option
Brainstorming is often done as a paper-based activity. Ideas are noted on a whiteboard (which is photographed for posterity), flipchart or sheet of paper. The benefit of this is that it can be done anywhere, anytime.
It can be done electronically using a platform such as a discussion board (available through Blackboard) or using an online whiteboard or chat window (both available through Teams). If students are working in isolation then you can create an activity using the AI Conversation Tool within Blackboard. Other online options include a Miro board or Padlet.
Practical tips and considerations
Brainstorming should be a safe space for creative thinking. The following checklist should help.
- Set the scene and remind everyone that every idea is to be documented for consideration no matter how outlandish it may seem. Make this a ‘safe space’.
- Ensure that there is a neutral facilitator who can give targeted prompt questions to get the ideas flowing.
- Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. Invite those who have not contributed to put forward an idea. Record all ideas.
- Set a time limit so the activity does not drag on. Some activities can be as short as 5 minutes, others will be longer depending on the topic.
- Ensure that different stakeholders are involved where necessary, this could include employees of all levels. In the university setting this could include staff as well as students if team teaching.
Things to watch out for:
- Ensure your objectives are clear and list of prompt questions is rigorous so everyone understands the requirements.
- Be aware of dominant voices, make sure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
- Follow up on the ideas, too many brainstorm sessions fizzle out as the follow up is not thorough and communicated. Sometimes follow-up brainstorm sessions could be used to refine the list.
Ritter and Mostert (2018) give some more details on how to facilitate a brainstorming session.
Tips for accessibility and inclusion
- Sending out a communication with the problem statement before the brainstorming session gives participants time to think about their ideas.
- Everyone should be encouraged to contribute no matter how outlandish the suggestion may be, everything idea is recorded.
- As this can be a simple paper-based activity, one scribe should be appointed, no technology is needed.
Further information
How-to guide
Resources
Teams guide
References
- BESANT, H. 2016. The Journey of Brainstorming. Journal of Transformative Innovation [Online], 2(1). Available: https://www.regent.edu/journal/journal-of-transformative-innovation/the-history-of-brainstorming-alex-osborn/.
- INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT. 2025. ‘What is brainstorming and how to apply it in your strategies?’. IMD Blog [Online]. August 2025. Available from: https://www.imd.org/blog/strategy/what-is-brainstorming/
- RITTER, S. M. & MOSTERT, N. M. 2018. How to facilitate a brainstorming session: The effect of idea generation techniques and of group brainstorm after individual brainstorm. Creative Industries Journal [Online], 11. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2018.1523662.