- To generate a large number of ideas quickly, typically in a group setting, focusing on quantity over quality initially and deferring judgment or criticism.
Explanation
Origin
- Coined by Alex F. Osborn, an American advertising executive, in his 1942 book How to Think Up.
- He described it as a technique where a group attempts to storm a problem with ideas. The brain is the source, and the storm suggests a rapid, energetic outpouring.
- Key principles included deferring judgment, aiming for quantity, and building on others' ideas.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Kick around ideas
- Spitball (ideas)
- Throw stuff at the wall (and see what sticks)
- Jam session (esp. musicians, but used creatively too)
- Riffing (building on ideas spontaneously)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Not common, focus is usually collaborative, not aggressive)
Milder/Formal:
- Ideation session
- Idea generation
- Creative workshop
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common and widely accepted in business, education, creative fields, and even informal group planning.
- Suitable for both formal and informal collaborative settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear. Emphasize that the core principle is generating many ideas without immediate criticism for the process to be effective.
Examples
- Let's brainstorm some possible themes for the event.
- We need to brainstorm ways to reduce costs.
- The team had a productive brainstorming session this morning. (Used as a noun)
Dialogue
Team Lead: We need a catchy name for the new app.
Developer: Okay, let's brainstorm for 15 minutes. Just throw out anything that comes to mind.
Designer: How about 'ConnectSphere'?
Developer: Or 'LinkUp'?
Team Lead: Good start, keep them coming!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Need to brainstorm some blog post ideas for next month. What topics are you interested in? #contentcreation #marketing
- LinkedIn: Facilitated a fantastic brainstorming session with the team today. So many innovative ideas! #teamwork #creativity
- Instagram Story: Live brainstorm session! Help me choose a color palette for my next art piece! Poll below 👇 #art #design
Response Patterns
- Okay, sounds good. / Great idea.
- Sure, let's grab a whiteboard/open a shared doc.
- Alright, fire away! No bad ideas.
- Agreement and preparation for idea generation.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After suggesting a brainstorm:
- Setting up the session (time, place, tools).
- Clarifying the topic or problem to focus on.
- Starting the idea generation process, often with someone facilitating or recording ideas.
- Reminding participants of the 'no criticism' rule during generation.
Conversation Starter
- Yes. Can directly initiate an idea-generation activity.
- Example: We need a topic for our presentation. Let's brainstorm some possibilities.
Intonation
- As a verb: Stress on the first syllable, BRAINstorm. Let's BRAINSTORM ideas.
- As a noun: Stress on the first syllable, BRAINstorming. We had a BRAINSTORMING session.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal term in English globally.