1. Brainstorming Powerful tool for design teams
Used to generate ideas in a group
Can be used on any sub-problem
It is best after knowing the main design requirements

2. Ground Rules
Relax
Have fun
Support not criticize

3. Ground Rules No boundaries Completely free your mind
No limits on the number of ideas
Fragmented ideas OK
Just keywords OK

4. Ground Rules No criticizing (during or after)
No evaluating or dismissing
No dismissing EVEN your own ideas
No “You must be joking” looks or comments

5. Ground Rules Explain quickly (few seconds) No questions
Let ideas you don’t understand go
Speed is the key
Important is “Association” not “Viability”

6. Ground Rules Avoid subtle evaluations How is it going to do …
Isn't this violating the rules
That is an excellent idea
How is this different than that idea

7. Ground Rules Select a moderator No dominating No interrupting
No passing

8. Ground Rules Short session (20 minutes) Create ideas in silence
Multiple rounds

9. Idea Trigger Method Phase I: Idea Purge Phase
The objective is declared.
Many ideas written rapidly on sheet of paper.
There is a relaxation break after two minutes.
The process continues for another minute.

10. Idea Trigger Method Phase II: Idea Trigger Phase
Leader calls each member for their ideas.
Team members cross out shared ideas.
Each idea as read may trigger other ideas in other members who write them down quickly on a second page.
After the first round, the members repeat the reading process for the second sheet and more until no new ideas are triggered.

11. Idea Trigger Method Phase III: Compilation
Members compile and classify ideas into a master list and distribute it.

12. Afterwards Work alone to create more ideas.
Meet and selects promising ideas.
Promising ideas are developed in more detail listing pros and cons.

13. Idea Selection Team meets and selects one design to be engineered.
Team members identify critical sub-systems and hold brainstorming sessions on such sub-systems.