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 The SmartStorming creativity consulting firm recently conducted a survey that made me say, "I wish I had thought of that!" They asked their network of contacts which ideation techniques they are aware of, which ones they use in brainstorms and what they think about them. The results are surprising.
Respondents agreed with the idea that "nowing and using different ideation techniques is beneficial to brainstorming," but when provided with a list of well-known ideation techniques, a surprisingly small percentage of respondents knew about them. Mind mapping was the most memorable, at 23% of respondents, followed by SWOT analysis (strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats) at 20% and Six Thinking Hats garnered a 19% response. After that, awareness of other ideation techniques dropped off precipitously, to 8% or less for the rest of the techniques.
The full list of ideation techniques included:
- Mind Mapping
- S.W.O.T. Analysis
- Six Thinking Hats
- 180-Degree Thinking/Reversal
- SCAMPER
- Worst Idea
- In Their Shoes
- 3-D Ideation (SmartStorming)
- Brainwalking
- Group Graffitti
- Freewriting
- Divergent/Convergent Thinking
- Process & Task Orientation
- Role Reversal (similar to “In Their Shoes”)
- Working Backwards
- Analografiti by Vera F. Birkenbihl
- Subconscious Ideation
- Delphi Method
- Synetics
- Zero Draft
- Rapid Writing
- Random Input/Analogy
- Alter Ego
- What If?
- Parallel Design
- How Might Be?
- Facilitated Creative Visualization
- Socratic Questioning
- Kills the Sacred Cows (similar to 180-Degree Thinking)
- Random Stimulation
- Forced Connection
- Ask a Stranger
The author of this blog post acknowledges that the results of this survey are actually consistent with the firm's experience in working with a variety of clients:
"We find that fewer than 10% of individuals in any industry (even creativity-focused businesses like advertising and design) have had any training whatsoever in brainstorming and group ideation. Those that have typically know one or two ideation techniques, but nothing about brainstorming session structure or facilitation skills."
They also suggest that educating yourself on ideation techniques is essential to success in today's innovation-focused economy:
"Only by taking the personal initiative to educate oneself in a variety of ideation techniques—and to offer training throughout one’s organization in effective brainstorm leadership and facilitation—can anyone hope to survive and thrive in today’s competitive business environment. Innovation begins with ideas. No ideas, no innovation."
For the full results of this survey, please visit the SmartStorming Blog. |
