Idea Generation
Brainsketching
Overview
Brain-sketching is a problem solving technique during which people sketch to illuminate a problem statement or solution concept then build on other peoples' sketches. In simple terms, it is a form of collaborative idea generation, but the emerging ideas are expressed visually as sketches, rather than with written words.
What to do
The Brain-sketching technique can be applied in the following 5 steps:
- A group of 4–8 people sit around a table, or in a circle of chairs. They need to be far enough apart to have some privacy. The problem statement is already agreed, or is discussed until it is understood;
- Each participant privately draws one or more sketches (each on separate sheets of paper) of how it might be solved, passing each sketch on to the participant on their right when it is finished. The facilitator suggests that sketches should not take more than 5 minutes or so to draw;
- Participants take the sketches passed on to them and either develop or annotate them, or use them to stimulate new sketches of their own, passing the amended original and/or any new sketches on to their neighbouring participant when ready;
- After the process has been running for a suitable period and/or energy is running lower, the sketches are collected in;
- Display all the sketches and to discuss them in turn for clarification and comment. Then move on to any appropriate categorisation, evaluation and selection process to complete the use of the technique.
People
The technique is used most effectively with 4–8 people working in a group.
Problem solving characteristics
The technique can be used both during divergent processes, when the participants need to generate lots of new ideas that could be used to solve a problem, and during the convergent process to start to evolve one or more concepts that represent potential solutions to the problem.
Creative phases
This technique can best be used to generate ideas that have the potential to solve a problem that has already been identified and agreed by the participants. It can also be used to develop new insights about the original problem.
Location
You can use the technique is any space that is large enough for the participants and the required equipment.
Equipment
You will need the chairs, and perhaps tables, for 4–8 people to sit around in a circle. They need to be far enough apart to have some privacy. Sufficient amount of large pieces of paper and different colour pens will be needed to allow the participants to sketch then over-sketch on top of other people's sketches.