Brainstorming Techniques: 29 Ways to Generate Ideas

Every team eventually struggles to come up with new ideas. Brainstorming alone can feel daunting, and group sessions sometimes end up with only a few people talking or ideas clashing. Since everyone has their own way of thinking, it can be hard to get everyone aligned.

This is where brainstorming techniques come in. They give structure, encourage creative thinking, and help turn scattered ideas into real solutions. With so many options available, every team can find a method that works for them.

In this guide, you'll explore 29 brainstorming techniques organized by category, from analytic and quiet async methods to group and roleplaying approaches, plus tips for running better sessions. Try one of these approaches, or a brainstorming template, for your next session.

What is brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving approach that often supports the design thinking process, where an individual or team generates ideas to improve a product, organization, or strategy. The goal is to use divergent and convergent thinking to produce as many ideas as possible without judgment, then refine them into actionable solutions.

No matter which brainstorming technique you use, the process usually follows three key steps:

• Capture ideas freely: Allow creativity to flow without restrictions or judgment.

• Discuss and refine: Consider different perspectives and constructive feedback.

• Select the best ideas: Choose the strongest concepts to develop further and put into action.

All brainstorming techniques need the same basics: people, a problem or opportunity, and some time to work on it.

How to brainstorm

Good brainstorming techniques help organize ideas and turn scattered thoughts into real solutions. Here are four steps to make your session more productive:

1. Come up with as many ideas as possible. The more, the better.

2. Save feedback for later. Let ideas flow before judging them.

3. Encourage wild ideas. The weird ones can lead to something great.

4. Build on each other's ideas. Mix, match, and improve as you go.

Now that you know the basics, check out the 29 brainstorming techniques below to find the right one for your next session.

Analytic brainstorming techniques

If you want to examine an idea from every angle or carefully review a problem, analytic brainstorming techniques can help. Here are some methods and tools to help you generate and evaluate ideas.

1. Starbursting

A visual brainstorming technique, starbursting, should be used once you or your team has homed in on a single idea. To begin starbursting, put an idea in the middle of a whiteboard and draw a six-point star around it. Each point will represent a question:

• Who?

• What?

• When?

• Where?

• Why?

• How?

Think about each question and how it relates to your idea, like, "Who will want to buy this product?" or "When should we launch this program?" This helps you spot scenarios or challenges you might not have thought of before.

Best for: large group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

2. The five whys, a.k.a. why analysis

Similar to starbursting, the five whys brainstorming technique helps you evaluate the strength of an idea. Challenge yourself to ask "why" questions about a topic or idea at least five times and consider what new problems you surface. Importantly, note how you can address them.

To help organize your thoughts, consider using a flowchart, a fishbone diagram, or a process map alongside this brainstorming technique.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

3. SWOT analysis

You might be familiar with SWOT analysis as it relates to strategic planning, and you might also be surprised to know that this concept can also be applied as a brainstorming exercise to help qualify an idea. Discuss the following aspects of your topic to determine whether it's worth executing:

• Strengths: How does the idea dominate or stand out from competitors?

• Weakness: Are there any flaws in the idea that could jeopardize its execution?

• Opportunities: What else can you capitalize on based on this idea?

• Threats: What are the potential downfalls that could arise if the idea is launched?

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

4. How Now Wow

The How Now Wow technique helps you sort ideas by how original they are and how easy they are to put into action. After you’ve gathered some ideas, discuss where each one fits on the How Now Wow scale:

• How ideas are ideas that are original but not executable.

• Now ideas are unoriginal ideas that are easily executable.

• Wow ideas are never-been-pitched-before ideas that are also easy to implement.

Ideally, you want as many "Wow" ideas as possible because they’re both doable and can help your team stand out. To organize your ideas, try using a four-square matrix with difficulty on one side and innovation on the other.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, homing in on an executable solution

5. Drivers analysis

Driver analysis is about finding the causes behind a problem. Keep asking, "What’s driving [the problem]?" and then, "What’s driving that?" The more you dig, the better you’ll understand the issue and feel confident about your solutions.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

6. Mind mapping

Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps you avoid getting stuck on your first ideas. It uses your starting idea to spark new ones and keeps the creative flow going.

To try mind mapping, use a big sheet of paper or a whiteboard. Write your main topic in the center, then draw lines to related ideas. This helps you see the bigger picture and spot things that could help or hinder. individual and group brainstorms, visual thinkers

7. Gap filling, a.k.a. gap analysis

If you’re not sure how to move an idea forward, gap filling can help you spot what’s in your way. Start by writing where you are now and where you want to be. For example, "Our company makes smart watches; we want to add fitness trackers."

It's worth writing these out on a large piece of paper or a whiteboard for all of your brainstormers to see, perhaps using a flowchart, mind map, or gap analysis template to do so. Then, list obstacles that are preventing you from getting where you want to be and work through solutions for each of them. By the end of your brainstorming session, you should have a clearer plan of how to get where you want to be.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, visual thinkers, honing in on an executable solution

Quiet async brainstorming techniques

Quiet brainstorming techniques let people share ideas on their own schedule, often without names attached. They’re especially helpful in these situations:

• Time-crunched teams: Participants contribute ideas asynchronously, without blocking calendars for meetings.

• Introverted team members: Written formats reduce pressure from group settings, giving everyone an equal voice.

• Remote teams: Cloud-based tools make these techniques easy to run across time zones, especially for teams with frequent virtual meetings.

8. Brainwriting, a.k.a. slip writing

A nonverbal and in-person brainstorming technique, brainwriting addresses unbalanced conversations head-on. Each person writes down three ideas relating to a topic on separate slips of paper, then passes them to the right or left. Their neighbor builds on those ideas, adding bullet points and considerations.

The slips continue around the table until they've made it all the way back. The brainstorm facilitator can then digest the ideas, or the brainstormers can discuss each one and decide which are worth pursuing. Pro tip: limit this technique to no more than 10 people to avoid being overwhelmed.

A popular variation is the 6-3-5 method:

• 6 participants each write down 3 ideas in 5 minutes

• After each round, participants pass their sheets to the next person, who builds on those ideas

• After six rounds (30 minutes total), the group generates up to 108 ideas

Best for: group brainstorms and introverted team members

9. Collaborative brainwriting

Collaborative brainwriting is like a group of people adding ideas over time, often anonymously. Usually, a facilitator starts by posting a big sheet of paper, sticky notes, or a shared online document for everyone to add their thoughts.

Team members can then add to these ideas and give feedback whenever they have time, and they can do so anonymously. Make sure to set a clear deadline so everyone has a chance to participate.

Best for: individual brainstorming

10. Brain-netting, a.k.a. online brainstorming

Great for remote teams, brain-netting is essentially a place for a team to brain-dump their ideas, whether that's a Slack channel, a Google Doc, or your project management tool.

People can add ideas whenever they think of them, so the list keeps growing. The team leader should let everyone know about any important dates or deadlines for finding solutions. The team might also meet to talk about the ideas. Everyone’s identity can stay anonymous, even during the meeting.

To keep those raw ideas organized from the start, you can drop them into a brain dump template that's easy to sort and refine later.

Best for: group brainstorms, introverted team members, remote teams

11. SCAMPER

The SCAMPER technique helps you look at an idea from different angles. Each letter stands for a way to rethink your idea:

• Substitute: consider what would happen if you swapped one facet of a solution for another.

• Combine: consider what would happen if you combined two facets of a solution.

• Adapt: consider how you could adapt an idea or solution in a new context.

• Modify: consider how you can modify an idea to make it higher impact.

• Put to another use: consider how else you could leverage your idea.

• Eliminate: consider what you could remove from the idea or solution so that it's simplified.

• Reverse effective: finally, consider how you could reorganize an idea to make it most effective.

In group sessions, you can use templates to track answers or combine SCAMPER with brainwriting to make sure everyone looks at ideas from all sides.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, vetting ideas thoroughly

12. Lightning Decision Jam

Known as LDJ, the Lightning Decision Jam brainstorming technique takes 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete. By the end, you'll have tangible results and buy-in from an entire team of brainstormers. It's especially great for remote team alignment.

Here's how it works:

1. Write down positives about a topic or what's currently working.

2. Write down negatives and identify what needs to be addressed most urgently.

3. Reframe problems as questions, then brainstorm solutions.

4. Use a matrix to determine how high-impact and how high-effort each solution is to decide which ideas are worth pursuing.

For a more robust explanation, watch this video by design agency AJ&Smart, which created the technique.

Best for: group brainstorms, remote workforces, tight deadlines, honing in on an executable solution

13. The idea napkin

Similar to LDJ, the idea napkin is essentially a brainstorming template that distills a broad topic into tangible solutions. How it works: Every brainstormer has an "idea napkin" to which they commit one idea, beginning by writing down their idea and an elevator pitch for it.

The napkin also has space for who the idea is for (like customers or teammates) and what problems it solves. People can fill these out before or during the session, then share their ideas. Finally, the group puts the ideas on an impact and effort chart to see which ones to move forward with.

Best for: group brainstorms, honing in on an executable solution

Group brainstorming techniques

Most brainstorming methods work for groups, but these techniques are designed to get everyone involved. When run well, group brainstorming not only produces more ideas, but can also:

• Boost team morale through lighthearted brainstorming games and by involving participation in every step of the brainstorming process

• Promote creative thinking, especially when brainstormers are given time to prepare their ideas and a structured approach to solve problems

• Bring more diverse ideas together, thanks to the unique perspective each brainstormer has and their individual strengths

In short, group brainstorming is about bringing everyone’s ideas together.

19. Eidetic image method

The eidetic image method is grounded in setting intentions, and it begins with group members all closing their eyes to do just that. For example, if a company is setting out to design a new smartwatch, the brainstorming facilitator would encourage all brainstormers to close their eyes and quietly meditate on what smartwatches currently look like.

Then the group would discuss, close their eyes once more, and quietly imagine new features to add to the device. They'd all open their eyes and discuss it again, essentially layering on possibilities for enhancing the product. This brainstorming technique is ideal for revamping or building on an existing product or solution.

Best for: visual thinkers, creating an idea anew

20. Rapid ideation

Rapid ideation is perfect for teams that lose focus in meetings. It gets everyone to come up with as many ideas as possible, as quickly as they can, without overthinking. People can shout out ideas or write them down. If the same ideas keep coming up, they’re probably worth exploring.

Best for: extroverted team members, tight deadlines

21. Round-robin brainstorming

Participation is required for the round-robin brainstorming technique. Everyone must contribute at least one idea before the entire group can give feedback or share a second idea.

Since everyone has to share an idea, it helps to let people prepare ahead of time. Round-robin works well for introverts and large groups, making sure everyone gets a chance to contribute. It also encourages the idea that sharing is better than staying silent.

Best for: introverted team members and developing a surplus of ideas

22. Step-ladder brainstorming

Ideal for medium-sized groups of 5 to 15 people, the step-ladder brainstorming technique prevents ideas from being influenced by the loudest members of the group.

Here's how it works:

1. The facilitator introduces the topic, then dismisses all but two participants from the room.

2. The remaining pair discusses their ideas for a few minutes.

3. One participant is welcomed back and shares their ideas before the original pair reveals theirs.

4. Participants are added back one by one, each sharing their ideas before hearing the group's.

5. Once everyone is back in the room, the group discusses the ideas they've built together.

Best for: introverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly, honing in on an executable solution

23. Charrette

For the charette technique, you may need a few rooms. This method breaks a big problem into smaller parts and splits your group into teams to tackle each one.

For instance, you might reserve three rooms, write a topic or problem on a whiteboard, and have three groups of brainstormers enter those rooms to jot down their ideas. Then, the brainstorming sets rotate rooms and build on the ideas of the group that was there before them. Consider it effective teamwork at its best.

Best for: vetting ideas thoroughly, honing in on an executable solution

Roleplaying brainstorming techniques

Roleplay brainstorming techniques let people imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes or take on a new perspective to solve problems and come up with ideas. Another benefit is that taking on a different role can make people feel more comfortable sharing ideas, since it’s not their own viewpoint.

14. Six thinking hats

This brainstorming technique requires a minimum of six brainstormers to wear imaginary hats, hence the name, which requires them to look solely at an idea from one specific angle. For instance, one brainstormer might be wearing an impact hat and focusing only on the impact of an idea, while another might be wearing a constraints hat and focusing only on the constraints of an idea.

You can pick and choose which angles are most important to your organization. And by the end of the group discussion, the whole brainstorming group should be able to hang their hats feeling confident about the ideas they'll pursue.

Best for: group brainstorms (six or more people), introverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly

15. Figure storming

This technique is based on the idea of asking, "What would [famous person] do?" Brainstormers imagine how a well-known figure—like a leader or celebrity—would approach the problem.

This helps teams see things from a new angle and can make people less nervous about sharing, since they’re presenting ideas as someone else. It’s a fun way to try out new perspectives.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, extroverted team members

16. Role storming

Role storming is like figure storming, but with a twist: brainstormers act out the ideas they come up with while pretending to be someone else. Usually, people pretend to be someone who would be affected by the idea, like an employee or client, and act out a scenario. This helps spot possible problems. It works best for teams that enjoy being outgoing.

Best for: group brainstorms, extroverted team members

17. Reverse brainstorming

Reverse brainstorming shakes things up by having people think of problems first, then solutions. The team leader might start by asking, "How do we cause [problem]?" After listing the causes, your team will have a fresh perspective for finding solutions.

Best for: group brainstorms, idea generation, problem-solving

18. Reverse thinking

Reverse thinking combines figure storming and six thinking hats. It gets people to ask, "What would someone else do here?" Then, they consider why that solution might work or not, and compare it to their own ideas.

Best for: group brainstorms, extroverted team members, vetting ideas thoroughly

More brainstorming techniques

If you want to try something different, here are more brainstorming techniques to help you or your team get creative.

24. 'What if'brainstorming

"What if" brainstorming is simple and spontaneous. Just ask as many "what if" questions as you can about a topic, like, "What if this problem happened in another country?" or "What if it happened in the 1800s?"

Thinking through these scenarios can help you spot new challenges. "What if" brainstorming helps your team consider all the possibilities.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, creating an idea anew, vetting ideas thoroughly

25. Change of scenery

It's no secret that physical surroundings can affect your team workflow and even creativity. When your brainstorming session is in a rut, consider relocating to another location, perhaps a park, a walking meeting, or even a coffee shop. A change of scenery can spark new ideas and help people feel more comfortable sharing, leading to more creative thinking.

Best for: individual and group brainstorms, creating an idea anew

26. Random word picker

As the name suggests, this technique is a bit random. Put words into a hat, pull them out, and talk about how each one connects to your topic. You can use a template to keep track of ideas that come up.

27. Storyboarding

Storyboarding isn’t just for movies or TV. You can use it in brainstorming by drawing out a problem and possible solutions. It’s another way to see things from someone else’s point of view, especially those affected by your idea.

It also helps you spot any obstacles you might face when putting your solution into action.

Best for: individual or group brainstorms, problem-solving strategies, vetting ideas thoroughly

28. Wishing

Wishing is just what it sounds like: you wish for the solution you want. For example, "I wish our company was carbon neutral." Then, brainstorm ways to make it happen and think about what might be hard to achieve. This helps you see both challenges and possibilities.

Best for: individual or group brainstorms, creating an idea anew

29. Crazy eights

Crazy eights is a quick and fun way to brainstorm. Each person gets a sheet with eight boxes and has eight minutes to sketch eight ideas. When time’s up, everyone shares and discusses their ideas.

For bigger groups, you can have each person focus on just three ideas and give them six minutes to draw them in more detail.

Best for: group brainstorms, visual thinkers, and developing a surplus of ideas

8 tips for better brainstorming

No matter which brainstorming technique is right for you and your team, consider the following best practices to brainstorm most effectively. Of course, it all begins with the brainstorming facilitator and how they set the tone for the session.

1. Allow time to prep. A brainstorm facilitator should provide context before the session, such as a meeting agenda, to give team members a clear starting point. Even 10 minutes can improve idea generation. Have backup creative ideas ready for when brainstorming ruts set in.

2. Set a goal. Decide what kind of ideas you need, quick fixes or creative solutions? Let everyone know about any limits, like budget or deadlines, to help guide the session.

3. Invite new perspectives. Repeating the same group brainstorming techniques can lead to redundant ideas. Bring in team members from other departments to encourage cross-functional collaboration, as well as customers or consultants for fresh ideas.

4. Promote inclusivity. The only bad ideas are the ones not shared. Every brainstorming meeting should be a safe space where all team members have equal speaking time to contribute and feel comfortable generating ideas.

5. Encourage creativity. Trying new activities can lead to better ideas. Use icebreakers, fun prompts, or creative techniques like reverse brainstorming or "wishing" to get people thinking differently.

6. Use music to inspire creativity. Background music (instrumental, major key, steady tempo) can improve real-time brainstorming ideas and creative thinking.

7. Mix and match brainstorming methods. Not every brainstorming strategy fits every team. Adapt techniques based on engagement levels and available time. Try mind mapping, starbursting, or stepladder techniques.

8. Turn ideas into action. Great ideas mean nothing without execution. Use brainstorming tools, SWOT analysis, or project templates to develop a workflow that transforms concepts into reality.

Brainstorming examples

Even the most groundbreaking ideas often start with a simple brainstorming session. Many well-known products and creative works were developed using brainstorming techniques to refine and shape raw ideas into creative solutions.

• Post-it Notes: A failed adhesive turned into a billion-dollar idea. In the 1970s, 3M scientist Spencer Silver accidentally developed a weak adhesive, but it wasn't until a brainstorming session years later that his colleague Art Fry saw its potential for reusable sticky notes. This led to the creation of Post-it Notes, now an essential tool for idea generation in offices worldwide.

• Pixar's Toy Story: A struggling script turned into an animated masterpiece. During early production, Toy Story's storyline wasn't working, and Woody's character was unlikable. The Pixar team used figure storming and brain-netting to rethink the plot, leading to one of the most beloved animated films of all time.

These brainstorming examples show how structured brainstorming methods can transform initial ideas into innovative solutions that shape industries.

Turn ideas into action with the right tools

When done well, brainstorming shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be a chance to create something together, especially if you use techniques that fit different ways of thinking.

The key is making sure ideas don't stall after the session ends. With a workflow management tool like Asana, you can:

• Organize ideas into projects: Turn raw brainstorming output into structured, trackable work.

• Assign owners and deadlines: Turn every strong idea into clear action items so someone is responsible for advancing it.

• Track progress: Maintain visibility into which concepts are advancing from the whiteboard to reality.

Ready to turn your team's best ideas into action? Get started and see how Asana can help you move from brainstorming to execution.

Frequently asked questions about brainstorming