- Brainstorm sessions are made up
of a diverse group of people,
all with their own unique perspectives,
experiences, and opinions.
This diversity is an asset during ideation,
but only if it's realized.
For any number of reasons,
there comes times in any group ideation session
where some participants just aren't interacting.
If there are stormers who aren't storming,
you're missing out on the potential
to help solve the problem or inspire the group.
This can happen for any number of reasons.
They can have an introverted personality.
There could be friction with another member in the room.
They could be preoccupied with something else
or ideas to your particular problem
could simply allude them.
Whatever the reason,
getting them back in the game
and contributing to the goal,
should become priority number one.
To do this,
break the group down into smaller groups
and assigned problem solving tasks
that will contribute to the overall conversation.
For instance,
let's say you have six people in your brainstorm.
You start with an in-product resize
that produces descriptive words around a central theme,
then you spend a little time grouping those words
into three overarching subjects.
Break your six person group into three pairs
and give each pair one of the overarching subjects.
They can then go off into a part of the room
and work up ideas for the problem
that use those subjects as filters.
Then bring the groups back together
and share the results to open up further conversation.
By breaking down the groups into pairs,
you're encouraging those outliers into action
and giving them a voice.
One that isn't alone and isn't hidden.
Doing so allows you to take advantage
of all of the unique perspectives in the room.