Brainwriting
Brainwriting
Brainwriting is a mode of creativity that is suitable for groups in which people independently and anonymously write down their ideas. It is essential because it offers the opportunity for the unimpeded circulation of ideas owing to the absence of a dominant personality, thus enhancing the range of solutions in brainstorming sessions.
What is the process of brainwriting?
During the brainwriting activity, the participants are generally given a time frame of 5-10 minutes to write their ideas either on paper or on a digital platform. Following the brainstorming session, the documents are passed along, and this way the rest can read and add to the thoughts that have already been formulated. The procedure is repeated until the time limit is reached, and thus, a wide range of ideas is generated which can be further developed and analyzed.
What are the benefits of using brainwriting over traditional brainstorming?
Brainwriting is an effective process for idea generation because of its many benefits over norm alternative brainstorming like counteracting the prevalent tendency of strong opinions prevailing over the quiet ones, the more equal participation of all members, and the high quantity of ideas produced in a quick time. For example, in a typical brainstorming seminar, it is possible that a certain participant is the only one who gets to talk about their ideas. Instead, brainwriting gives the chance to everyone to put down their views on the paper that will be collected to maximize creativity and input.
How can brainwriting be implemented in a team setting?
The first step of the implementation of the brainwriting in a team setting is the facilitator to firstly be responsible for the clear definition of the problem or topic and the distribution of materials for writing, like sheets of paper or a collaborative digital tool. The team members then spend a few minutes writing their ideas, after which they pass their papers to the next person for additional contributions. This method can be done several times, and finally, all can be gathered for review and discussion, meeting the requirement for all ideas to be put forward.
What are some common challenges associated with brainwriting?
It is possible for some members of the team to feel not at ease when discussing their thoughts without mentioning their names. One of the most important drawbacks of this method of brainwriting is the generation of too many ideas making it hard to evaluate them. Furthermore, if the first topics or suggestions are not designed properly, they can result in off-topic or less relevant discussions. Organizing such an exercise would require an appropriate environment created by the organizer, alongside clearly defined media that people feel free to refer to.