Brainwriting template

What is a brainwriting template?

A brainwriting template is a structured tool used in group brainstorming sessions to generate and refine ideas efficiently. Unlike traditional brainstorming, where participants verbalize their ideas in a group setting, brainwriting allows individuals to write their ideas down, which are then passed around for others to build upon. This method encourages independent thought, reduces the pressure of speaking up, and gives everyone an equal opportunity to contribute. 

According to a study by the Journal of Applied Psychology, participants in brainwriting sessions were able to generate 45% more ideas compared to traditional brainstorming sessions. By giving each participant the time and space to independently brainstorm and expand on others’ ideas, the brainwriting template facilitates the creation of a diverse range of concepts, leading to more innovative and high-quality outcomes.

 The brainwriting template helps you:

• Improve idea quality: By giving participants the opportunity to think deeply and reflect on ideas before sharing them, brainwriting often leads to higher-quality ideas. The process of refining and combining different concepts over multiple rounds results in more thought-out solutions that can be implemented more effectively.

• Remain flexible and adaptable: Brainwriting can be adapted for various contexts, whether for problem-solving, product development, or strategic planning. You can tailor the template and process to fit the specific needs of the session, making it a versatile tool for different types of creative thinking or decision-making.

• Prevent idea domination: In group discussions, certain individuals might dominate the conversation, leading to fewer ideas being shared. Brainwriting ensures that all voices are heard, allowing for a wider range of ideas to emerge without the influence of more vocal participants.

How to use the brainwriting template 

Step 1: Define the problem or challenge

Before starting, clearly outline the problem or challenge you want to address. Make sure all participants understand the goal of the session, whether it’s generating new product ideas, solving a specific issue, or improving an existing process.

Step 2: Prepare the brainwriting template

Depending on the method you’re using (like the 6-3-5 method), create or prepare a template that includes spaces for participants to write down their ideas. Typically, this includes sections for each round, with spaces to add ideas, build upon others, or expand on concepts. You can use a physical template or digital tools like Mural or Google Docs.

Step 3: Introduce the session and set the rules

Explain the brainwriting process to the participants. Let them know they’ll be generating ideas individually, and that everyone should contribute without judgment. Set clear time limits (e.g., 5-10 minutes per round) to keep the session moving and ensure maximum participation.

Step 4: Start round 1: Idea generation

Participants write down their initial ideas or solutions on the brainwriting template. These should be quick and spontaneous — encourage creative thinking! In some versions, each participant may come up with 3-5 ideas in the first round, depending on the template.

Step 5: Start round 2: Idea sharing and building

66% of knowledge workers aren’t happy with how their teams work together. Now’s the opportunity to change that. After the first round, participants pass their templates to the next person (or share them digitally). In round two, participants read the ideas already written down and build upon them, suggesting improvements or new directions. This collaborative process helps refine ideas and generate new insights.

Step 6: Continue the rounds

Repeat the process for a set number of rounds (usually 3-6 rounds), with participants passing the templates and building on each other’s ideas. Each time, they should add new ideas, improve upon existing ones, or combine multiple suggestions into one.

Step 7: Review the ideas

After all rounds are completed, gather the group to review the ideas generated. Discuss which concepts are most promising, feasible, and aligned with the goal. Prioritize ideas based on their potential impact, practicality, and innovation.

Step 8: Take action on the ideas

Once you’ve reviewed and prioritized the best ideas, determine the next steps. This may involve creating prototypes, testing concepts, or assigning tasks to implement the most viable solutions.

When to use the brainwriting template (with examples)

• When you need to generate a large number of ideas quickly: Brainwriting is ideal when you're facing a creative block or need to come up with multiple solutions to a problem in a short amount of time. The structured format encourages quick, diverse input from participants, making it perfect for brainstorming sessions that require a lot of ideas.

• For tackling complex or challenging problems: When a problem is multi-faceted or complex, brainwriting can help break it down. It allows participants to tackle different aspects of the issue independently, building on each other’s thoughts, which can lead to a variety of approaches and solutions.

• When you want to engage all team members equally: If your team has a mix of introverts and extroverts, brainwriting helps create a more balanced environment where everyone can contribute equally. It’s especially useful for teams where some members may be reluctant to speak up in traditional brainstorming sessions.

 Tips for running a brainwriting template

• Stay focused and avoid distractions: Make sure participants are fully engaged in the session. Limit outside distractions (e.g., phone calls or meetings) to ensure the team stays focused on the task at hand.

• Keep it positive and non-judgmental: Encourage a "no bad ideas" mindset. Brainwriting is about generating a broad range of ideas, so make sure participants feel safe and comfortable sharing unconventional or unusual thoughts without fear of judgment.

• Rotate ideas regularly: Have participants pass their sheets or ideas to others regularly (e.g., after each round). This promotes a sense of collaboration, as ideas evolve and get new perspectives with each rotation.