brainstorming

name: brainstorming description: Use when exploring design options or solving open-ended problems tags: [design, planning, creativity]

Brainstorming Workflow

A structured approach to generating and evaluating ideas for design decisions.

When to Use

• Starting a new feature with unclear requirements
• Choosing between multiple architectural approaches
• Solving a problem with no obvious solution
• Exploring trade-offs before committing to a direction

Phase 1: Problem Definition

Clearly define what you're trying to solve:

1. State the goal: What should the end result accomplish?
2. Identify constraints: What limitations exist? (time, resources, compatibility)
3. Define success criteria: How will you know the solution works?
4. List stakeholders: Who cares about this decision?

Template:

Goal: [What we're trying to achieve]
Constraints: [Time, resources, compatibility requirements]
Success looks like: [Measurable outcomes]
Stakeholders: [Who is affected]

Phase 2: Divergent Thinking

Generate as many ideas as possible without judgment:

1. Quantity over quality: Get all ideas out first
2. No criticism yet: All ideas are valid at this stage
3. Build on ideas: "Yes, and..." not "No, but..."
4. Think unconventionally: What would a beginner suggest? An expert?

Techniques:

• SCAMPER: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Rearrange
• Reverse brainstorm: How could we make this problem worse?
• Analogy: How do other domains solve similar problems?
• Extreme scenarios: What if we had unlimited time? Zero budget?

Phase 3: Idea Organization

Group and structure the generated ideas:

1. Categorize: Group similar approaches together
2. Identify themes: What patterns emerge?
3. Note dependencies: Which ideas require others?
4. Mark combinations: Which ideas work well together?

Phase 4: Convergent Thinking

Evaluate and narrow down options:

1. Apply constraints: Which ideas are actually feasible?
2. Score against criteria: Rate each option on success factors
3. Identify risks: What could go wrong with each approach?
4. Consider effort vs impact: Quick wins vs long-term investments

Evaluation Matrix:

| Option | Feasibility | Impact | Risk | Effort | Score |
|--------|-------------|--------|------|--------|-------|
| A      | High        | Medium | Low  | Low    | 8/10  |
| B      | Medium      | High   | Med  | High   | 6/10  |

Phase 5: Decision

Make a choice and document the rationale:

1. Select the approach: Based on evaluation
2. Document why: Future you will thank you
3. Note rejected alternatives: And why they were rejected
4. Identify next steps: What's the immediate action?

Decision Record Template:

## Decision: [Title]

### Context
[What situation led to this decision]

### Options Considered
1. [Option A] - [Pros/Cons]
2. [Option B] - [Pros/Cons]
3. [Option C] - [Pros/Cons]

### Decision
[What we decided and why]

### Consequences
[What this decision means going forward]

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

• Premature convergence: Deciding before exploring
• Groupthink: Not challenging popular ideas
• Analysis paralysis: Evaluating forever without deciding
• Pet solutions: Forcing a predetermined answer
• Missing constraints: Forgetting important limitations