BRAINSTORMING

definition
what is BRAINSTORMING
It is a relaxed approach,  for problem solving, or for finding new ideas, to get unstuck.
To get away from the normal way of thinking (see also THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX)

stress --> no creativity
(FOCUSED ON WORK/ ON ART)

how?
Brainstorming can be idividual or group activity.
There are pros and cons for both of them.

It's probably a good idea to start with an individual session.
To get the most out of your individual brainstorming session, choose a comfortable place to sit and think. Minimize distractions so that you can focus on the problem at hand, and consider using mind maps to arrange and develop ideas

For a group-brainstorming it's important first of all to be with people you feel comfortable with.
Then criticism should be banned, at the beginning it's important to feel free and let the ideas and thoughts flow, whatever they may be.



PREPARATION:
- no stress
- visualize your goal
- set limits (time, budget, material technique..) , give yourself some more if you feel you need them



TECHNIQUES:

- set limits
- explore your experiences/memories
- change perspective
- connect random words
(there are some online "random words generator", pretty good for this purpose, but also a book or random free thoughts should work well)
- make mind maps
(post-it and  blackboard are good tools)
- freeflow writing
creative writing: it could be very useful to wite down everything you think, write a poem, or a letter, or a page of diary. Improvisation is the key and will gives amazing and unpredicted results.
- ask for opinions/feedbacks = talk to other people
- reverse brainstorming: starts from the end
- write random titles, titles that sound good to you (you could combine this with the random words generator, and build up nice titles containing a random word), OR go to a library and just read titles on books' covers.

TIPPS:
- go outside - change environment
- take naps
- meditate
- make some breaks, healthy snack
- be always ready for taking notes - have a dreams journal next to your bed, have paper and pen always with you
- keep asking questions (to yourself, to others)
- After a first personal visualisation, research for inspiration, reference
- check what exists already
- get inspired (for ex: Ted talks, books, cool conversations)


DONT WASTE TIME W BRAINSTORMING  TRY TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS/WORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE