Brainstorm
[edit] Introduction
In Chapter 33 of his 1948 book ‘Your Creative Power’, Alex Osborn gave one of the first definitions of brainstorm: “When a group works together, the members should engage in a ‘brainstorm’… using the brain to ‘storm’ a creative problem and doing so in commando fashion, with each stormer attacking the same objective.”
Similarly, in modern commercial and academic usage, a brainstorm is a meeting of minds designed to generate new ideas. Typically, a group of two or more people will meet for a set time period – which may be anything from 10 minutes upwards – to discuss the matter in question. The hope is that pooling thoughts, ideas, viewpoints and comments may bring increased focus, rigour and generate new perspectives.
There may be a set agenda for the brainstorm but often the meeting will be informal and unstructured. Attendees may contribute at any time they feel they have a valid idea. A flip-pad, post it notes or a whiteboard are often used to allow ideas generated to be jotted down for all to see. The writing task will be allocated to one of the meeting’s attendees.
Meetings of this nature used to require a physical presence at a particular location, a meeting room somewhere. However, the rise of the internet now allows brainstorms to be conducted using systems such as Skype, allowing participation by attendees located in diverse locations.
[edit] Suggested weaknesses of brainstorming
Recent debate has generated some downsides to brainstorming, most notably that it doesn’t generate better ideas, while some have even suggested it doesn’t work at all. Research undertaken at Yale University as far back as 1958 tested undergraduates simultaneously both in brainstorm groups and individually. It was found that the solo students generated more ideas than the group sessions. Other studies since have reached similar conclusions.
It has also been observed that brainstorming tends to favour the first ideas generated which are thought to be generally the least creative. People may express the easy idea first around which other members of the group may anchor – to the detriment of better new ideas. Some commentators advocate that to avoid getting fixated on an idea that has been advanced initially, attendees should generate their own solutions prior to the brainstorming session.
Another suggested weakness with brainstorming is that some individuals may lack the courage of their convictions, preferring to keep their ideas to themselves rather than express them to a group. It has been proposed that such individuals may be more creative outside the brainstorm environment where they are not dominated by louder colleagues.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Awe-inspiring medieval great barns.
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.