Idea Implementation
Negative Brainstorming
Overview
Negative brainstorming is a technique helping with the analysis of a final short-list of existing ideas and forcing perspective shifts, from positive to negative to positive ideas/solutions. It is best used for any number of people.
Examining potential failures is important when an idea is very new, complex to implement or there is little margin for error. Negative brainstorming consists of a conventional
brainstorming
session (or any other idea-generation method) that is applied to negative questions/statements such as:
What could go wrong with this project
The market is not ready yet.
It's not possible.
It can't be done, etc.
What to do
Undertake Negative Brainstorming in the following 3 steps:
- The facilitator writes down the problem statement on the flipchart in order to ensure the task is clearly displayed as a reminder and gets everyone to focus on this task.
- Instead of brainstorming for possible solutions, the facilitator asks the team to come up with everything that could make the problem worse. Consider statements like 'Staff only', or 'not for general public'. All ideas are written in post its and collected in a flipchart.
- The facilitator leads a discussion where the outputs are explored to see if any new ideas for a solution are suggested.
People
Works best with any number of people.
Problem solving characteristics
Negative Brainstorming is useful when you want to explore the details of an idea.
Creative phases
Negative Brainstorming is useful if you want to assess already existing ideas.
Location
Any quiet space according to the number of participants.
Equipment
Post-its, pens and a flipchart.