Visual
Brainstorming

An alternate method of collaboratively generating ideas without using the spoken or written word. The human brain can process images up to 60,000 times faster than words. Visuals can convey so much more information than you can with words and can convey abstract and complex concepts such as facial expressions.

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When would you use Visual Brainstorming?

Visual brainstorming is best used in the following circumstances: Participants are struggling to put their ideas into words. You’ve already tried a traditional idea burst and the ideas were uninspiring. You need to break the monotony of a meeting or workshop

Here’s where Visual Brainstorming can be a difference maker:

You’ve been talking and talking and all of your ideas feel like the same thing
Your team isn’t coming up with anything new when you do traditional brainstorming
You want to try a method that will help you tap into your “left brain” or more creative thinking style

How does Visual Brainstorming work?

1
Reflect on the problem / opportunity and allow your mind to wander
2
Start drawing while you are mentally modeling the idea
3
Express your drawing in words and give it a header
4
Share the ideas as a group and summarize the meaning of each illustration
5
Vote on top ideas

Download the full Visual Brainstorming guide

Get access to instructions, templates, a case study, and more

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Deliberate Innovation Visual Brainstorming Tool Guide

Top Visual Brainstorming Tips

Don’t Self-Edit Allow the pen to draw!
Don’t Have a Meeting with Yourself” – Allow your hands to work in parallel with your mind
“Don’t Aim for Perfection” – Nobody in the room is Picasso
Keep It Simple - Stick figures are cool!
Push Your Thinking – Strive for radical and far-reaching ideas – Think about the basic truths and challenge it by asking…. “What If?”
Focus on the Storytelling

More Visual Brainstorming Tips & Stories

Storytelling is at the heart of our teaching and is essential for understanding new concepts. Here are some short stories and tips to continue to bring this tool to life.

Additional Ideate Articles & Resources

A Round Trip to Nowhere

I thought I was the lone ascetic that has ridden a bus to New York City during rush hour just to turn back around at the Port Authority so I could continue...