Brainstorming
UX Design
What is Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a collaborative ideation technique used to generate multiple solutions and ideas for design challenges. It encourages creative thinking and builds upon team members' diverse perspectives to explore potential solutions without immediate judgment.
Types of Brainstorming
Common UX brainstorming methods include:
- Mind Mapping: Visual connection of related ideas
- Crazy Eights: Rapid sketching of eight ideas in eight minutes
- How Might We: Reframing problems as opportunities
When to use Brainstorming
Implement brainstorming during early design phases, when facing complex challenges, or when seeking innovative solutions. It's particularly effective at the start of projects, during redesigns, or when tackling user pain points.
How to conduct Brainstorming
Set clear objectives, create a judgment-free environment, encourage wild ideas, and build upon others' suggestions. Use time constraints to maintain energy and focus. Document all ideas visually and follow up with idea clustering and prioritization.
The optimal size is 5-8 participants. Smaller groups might lack diverse perspectives, while larger groups can become difficult to manage and may inhibit participation from quieter members.
Keep sessions focused and energetic, typically 30-60 minutes for a single topic. For complex problems, consider multiple shorter sessions rather than one long session.
Use structured techniques like round-robin sharing or silent brainstorming to ensure equal participation. Set clear ground rules and actively facilitate to maintain balance among participants.
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