LOGGING A BRAINSTORM During a brainstorming session, each new idea is, in one sense, a creative product of all of the other ideas which have been expressed. In a super-techno world, comments could be instantly reflected on a common exchange board which would be visible to everyone in the room. Before the session begins, however, consider some of these alternative methods of logging brainstorms. .The te:hnique which is chosen should maximize each individual's ability to gain from the ideas of others. The object ofa brainstorming session is to produce a maximum number of ideas. Encourage wild ideas Encourage humor Defer judgment Approving and disapproving comments are not allowed. Even if someone says "that's a great idea," spontaneity is interrupted. A disapproving statement expressed too early can squelch an idea which might later unfold. The question of how to encourage the expression · eas demands sensitivity on the part of the itator to the size and composition of the group. Here simple how-to-do-it formulas break down, and the importance of choosing a good facilitator is re-emphasized. LOOK AT LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES This signals the end of the bratnstorming session. Participants review log, applying judgments and evaluation of · al criteria. or every limitation there's a possibility. Don't throw out deas too quickly. 1. Use a chalkboard or butcher paper Chalkboard should be visible to everyone in the room. The facilitator or another member of the group performs the function of restating the comments as the session proceeds, although he does not interrupt the flow of ideas by offering them up for debate. The comments are summarized in key phrases which retain the essence ofthe comment. Writing the name of the person who is speaking next to the keyphrase comment is one way of verifying who said what and what was really said during the follow-up evaluation sessions. Key phrases may be arranged spatially and connected with arrows or other graphic indicators to show the interrelationship among ideas and the order of development. 2. Use a tape recorder The machine should be turned on at the beginning of the session and placed fairly unobtrusively in the room. It should be left undisturbed during the session itself. This method provides actual documentation for review during evaluation session. 3. Provide everyone in the room with scratch paper for notes This enables people to develop their thinking in idiosyncratic doodles, and to take home a self-styled copy of what went on during the session. This method should not, however, become an inhibitor. Try it. 4. Use 3" x 5" cards Herb Giffen, architect at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Portland, uses 3" x 5" cards during his brainstorming with clients. He jots down one major idea per card, and when the session is over, client and architect can work to arrange the cards in a pattern which best reflects their thinking. The 3" x 5" cards can substitute, in process, for the chalkboard technique.
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