Just post it!

For weeks now, we've been discussing problem identification and idea generation. We've been talking about different techniques of brainstorming. But before all these, we discussed how we can identify the problem rightly. During this stage, we do not seek for solutions but instead, we search for the problem. And to be able to solve this problem, one must look for the root of the problem. This is according to the Problematique Method of Molenda, DiPaolo. You identify a problem situation and then ask why for every reason stated.

Once the problem has been identified, brainstorming can take place. But we must take note that in brainstorming, there should always be a facilitator and a secretary.The facilitator should not have any personal agenda and he or she should be impartial. To help people loosen up, warm-up exercises and ice breakers should be done so that everyone can be comfortable and relaxed.

Among the rules that Ideo posted regarding brainstorming, what was striking for me was the need to use permanent ink in writing ideas and it should be in front of the whole audience so that everyone can see it. Also, the boss shouldn't speak first because everyone will feel pressured. There should not be any pressure amongst the participants so that everyone can think normally. Silly things are also allowed to make the environment relaxed and allow people to freely express their thoughts.

Given all these, the Japanese in turn, have their own brainstorming techniques. One striking feature in their technique is the presence of the brave one. They allow the braver ones to start sharing, just to set the pace of everyone. Once the time is up, everyone is still allowed to add more ideas, if something strikes them. Also, their brainstorming entails a specific type of organization so that these ideas can then be simplified to other topics.

Mindmapping, on the other hand, is another tool that can be used to generate more ideas and actions. Compared to brainstorming, ideas are generated in a non-linear fashion and it allows free association. You just write what you think is related and connect more ideas to it. In this method, signs, drawings, color and curve lines are encouraged so that the brain can easily take them in.

Of the two method, I had a harder time in doing the mind map because I couldn't think of a word that can be associated with the general topic. The use of a singular word in mind mapping also made it harder for me. Given the time limit, I also had a hard time drawing and coloring. It wasn't as free flowing as it was said in the notes and videos. The post it method, on the one hand, is also as hard because I kept on screening my thoughts. One rule in brainstorming is to never screen your thoughts. Quantity is better than quality at this point so screening and seeing the works of my groupmates made it harder.

After organizing one's thoughts, evaluating the ideas and deciding on what to do are the next steps. The scamper method and the six thinking hats were presented to us to evaluate the ideas. In making the group decisions, we were told that a Consensus, T-chart and criteria rating are the ones that can be used. Of the terms given, the most familiar term for me is the consensus because it's what we normally do. It takes less time but gives the minority no voice.

Overall, I realized that it is best to not shoot down an idea as soon as you got one. It's good to write them down and see how people would react and how you would react, days after posting it. Also, it serves as a reminder that you've made an idea and it will only take some time before you realize it's something good. Just like what I learned from the dream project. You should never forget the simple things you wanted to do. There will always be time if you really want to pursue it.