Brainstorming is a technique that enables idea generation within a group activity to solve problems or come up with innovative solutions. Brainstorming is an effective way to foster creativity in teams and organizations. It helps remove blocks, strengthens teamwork, and opens space for new and innovative ideas.

History of brainstorming: when and how did it begin?

Brainstorming emerged as a structured way of generating ideas in the 40s of the 20th century. Its author was Alex Osborn, an advertising specialist who sought an effective way to boost creativity in his team. He believed that removing criticism and encouraging a free flow of ideas leads to innovative solutions.

Osborn’s principles of brainstorming

Osborn set four basic rules that still form the foundation of this method. The first is the elimination of criticism, which allows freer thinking. He also encouraged a high quantity of ideas, because the more ideas arise, the greater the chance of a quality solution.

Expansion and popularization

The method quickly spread into business, education, and research. Thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness, companies began using it for strategic planning and creative projects. Brainstorming became part of management education and was gradually adapted for different fields.

Today’s variants of brainstorming are based on Osborn’s principles. However, they use digital tools, psychological techniques, and team dynamics. Modern approaches include, for example, online brainstorming, which enables people from around the world to participate. Despite technological progress, brainstorming remains a key tool for innovation and creative thinking.

Psychology and principles of brainstorming

Brainstorming is not only about generating ideas but also about the psychology of group collaboration. A successful process requires the right mindset, support for creativity, and the removal of barriers. If participants feel pressure or fear of criticism, their creativity decreases and ideas remain unspoken.

Collective creativity and group dynamics

Teamwork in brainstorming works on the principle of synergy, where individuals inspire others. Each member brings a different perspective, leading to unexpected combinations of ideas. The success of group creativity is influenced by several key factors.

• Team diversity – different experiences and expertise bring a wider range of ideas.
• A safe environment – participants must not be afraid to express even unusual or „crazy“ ideas.
• Interaction and feedback – building on others’ ideas leads to innovative solutions.

Barriers in thinking and how to overcome them

People often unconsciously block the creative process due to internal and external barriers. The main obstacles include fear of failure, excessive self-criticism, and rigid thinking. How to remove these barriers?

• Eliminate self-criticism – encourage a high volume of ideas without immediate evaluation.
• Change perspective – asking unusual questions helps broaden mental horizons.
• Use stimulating prompts – visual aids, associations, and metaphors support creativity.

The facilitator’s role in brainstorming

Successful brainstorming often depends on the quality of group leadership. The facilitator should maintain an open atmosphere, encourage participants, and guide the discussion. Their key tasks include the following.

• Ensuring equal participation – everyone should get space for their ideas.
• Managing the dynamics – maintaining pace and preventing one speaker from dominating.
• Summarizing and organizing ideas – sorting ideas helps with their further use.

The psychology of brainstorming shows that setting up the group correctly and overcoming barriers are key to effective idea generation. If you manage to create a stimulating environment without fear of judgment, creativity will fully develop.

Practice: specific brainstorming techniques

Brainstorming has many variants that can be adapted to the needs of a specific group or problem. Some methods focus on classic group dynamics, while others use structural approaches. Each technique has its advantages that can lead to better results in idea generation.

Classic brainstorming vs. guided methods

Classic brainstorming is the best-known form, relying on free sharing of ideas without immediate evaluation. The group is invited to generate as many ideas as possible, which are then sorted and evaluated. On the other hand, guided methods such as brainwriting provide a more structured approach that can help overcome creative blocks.

• Brainwriting enables individuals to generate ideas in silence, helping to eliminate fear of criticism and support even participation by all.

Individual vs. group approach

In brainstorming, we typically encounter two basic approaches: individual and group. Each has its specific advantages and is suitable for different situations.

• Individual brainstorming is ideal when you need to develop your own ideas or when the team is too large for effective collaboration. This approach allows greater freedom of thought and avoids problems associated with dominant personalities.
• Group brainstorming is great for sharing different perspectives and leveraging collective intelligence. Team interaction can lead to new, unexpected ideas that individuals would not come up with on their own.

Using combined techniques

To achieve maximum creativity, it is possible to combine different techniques. For example, start with individual brainstorming, where each participant generates ideas on their own, and then move to group sharing and developing those ideas. This combination makes it possible to effectively use the advantages of both approaches and minimize their weaknesses.

Different brainstorming techniques offer flexibility and customization to the specific needs of the group, making them an invaluable tool for innovation and creative work.

Recommended reading: the basics of brainstorming

To gain a deeper understanding of brainstorming methods, it is important to get acquainted with professional literature and articles that provide theoretical foundations. These sources will help you improve creative thinking techniques and apply them to various areas such as marketing, design, or team dynamics.

• Applied Imagination, Alex Osborn – a classic outlining the basics of creative thinking and brainstorming.
• Thinkertoys, Michael Michalko – offers practical creative techniques for innovation and problem-solving.
• Creative Confidence, Tom Kelley and David Kelley – a book that supports the development of creativity in professional and personal life.
• The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business, Harriet Kelsall – a guide for creative entrepreneurs who want to start their own business.

Useful links:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainstorming
2. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/brainstorming
3. https://miro.com/brainstorming/what-is-brainstorming/