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Brainstorming Tips

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Now that you have come up with a great idea it's time to make a list of ideas for fixing the problem. The more ideas, the better, so write them all down without criticism - that comes later. Ask people you know for suggestions. Classify the ideas using the Waste Hierarchy.

Here are some tips on how to have a great brainstorming session:

  • Produce a great number of ideas
  • Record all ideas
  • Allow no criticism - focus on quantity, not quality
  • When you're out of ideas, force yourself to add three more - innovation and creativity can surface after the apparent solutions have been exhausted
  • Brainstorm with a group
  • Let one idea give you another idea
  • Include outrageous and off-the-wall ideas
  • If you brainstorm alone, write continuously for another 5 minutes after you feel like you've run out of ideas
  • Only after brainstorming, think through the ideas and begin narrowing the list

After your brainstorming session you are ready to choose a solution. The next page will help you decide what idea will work best for your project.

Next: Choosing a Solution