9.3 Brainstorming

Advantages of Brainstorming

Ability to elicit many ideas in a short time period. Non-judgmental environment enables creative thinking. Can be useful during a workshop to reduce tension between participants

Disadvantage of Brainstorming

Dependent on participants' creativity and willingness to participate. Organizational and interpersonal politics may also limit participation. Group participants must agree to avoid debating the ideas raised during brainstorming

Prepare Prep 2

Determine a time limit for the group to generate ideas; the larger the group, the more time required

Prepare Prep 1

Develop a clear and concise definition of the area of interest

3.3 Document Elicitation Results Usage

Document Requirements

Session 3

Don't limit the number of ideas as the goal is to elicit as many as possible within the time period

Prepare Prep 5

Establish criteria for evaluating and rating the ideas

3.2 Conduct Elicitation Activity Usage

Generate many requirements quickly - through use of creative thinking techniques

Prepare Prep 3

Identify facilitator and participants in session. Aim for participants (ideally 6 to 8) who represent a range of background and experience with the topic.

3.1 Prepare for Elicitation Usage

Identify participants, materials, techniques & resources required

5.1 Define Business Need Usage

Insights and Options

Wrap-Up Brainstorming

Once the time limit is reached, using the pre-determined evaluation criteria, discuss and evaluate the ideas. Create a condensed list of ideas, combine ideas where appropriate, and eliminate duplicates. Rate the ideas. Distribute the final list of ideas to appropriate parties.

Prepare Prep 4

Set expectations with participants and get their buy in to the process

Session 2

Share ideas withou discussion; Visibly record all ideas.

Session Brainstorming 1

Share new ideas without any discussion, criticism or evaluation.

5.3 Determine Solution Approach Usage

Solution Alternative generation

2.2 Conduct Stakeholder Analysis Usage

To identify the stakeholders that should be consulted during the initiative

Brainstorming

technique intended to produce a broad or diverse set of options