Rules for
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
A process used to find a solution to a
problem by collecting ideas without regard
for feasibility, which occur from a group of
people brought together for a specific
purpose.
Rules for Brainstorming
1. No criticism
allowed
2. Work for quantity
3. Welcome piling-on
4. Allow free-for-all
No Criticism Allowed
1. People automatically
tend to evaluate each
suggested idea - their
own, as well as others.
2. No criticism
3. No negative comments
Strive for Quantity
1. People must experience
“brain-drain” before the
innovative, creative
ideas can surface.
2. Therefore, the more
ideas, the more likely
they are to be quality
ideas.
Piling-on is Welcome
1. Piling-on occurs when
one member’s idea
produces a similar
idea or an enhanced
idea.
2. All ideas should be
recorded.
Encourage Free-for-All
1. Outrageous, humorous,
and seemingly
unimportant ideas must
be recorded.
2. It is common for the
most off-the-wall idea to
be the one that is the
solution to the problem.
3. The sky is the limit.
Based on Project Lead the Way – Introduction to Engineering Design Power
Point – Rules for Brainstorming