5 Steps to Simplify a Creative Process (Part 2)
In the first post of this series, we introduced five stages to simplify the creative process. The first stage was to define the objective. The next stage is where the fun begins!
Creative Process Step 2: Brainstorming Ideas
Brainstorming allows you to open the floodgates of imaginative possibilities to meet your objective. Use "what if" statements often to preface your ideas (and no idea is a bad idea). Look for various techniques to inspire you and your team when the creative juices need a jumpstart. Here's a method that worked and I frequently used:
A Brainstorming Method
Begin by equipping everyone in the room with a pad of scrap paper or a sticky notepad. Encourage each participant to jot down ideas, elements, illustrations, songs, props – anything and everything that might move your audience toward the objective. Each person is doing this on their own. They write down an idea, tear that sheet off, set it aside, and move on to the next. Continue generating ideas, tearing off pages, and stacking them. You can set a timer for 3 to 4 minutes to maintain a lively pace.
When the time's up, have each person briefly share their ideas without too much elaboration. Compile a visual list on a whiteboard or by tacking the sheets on a wall. By the time you've compiled all the ideas, stand back and celebrate the diverse display of creativity your team has generated in just a few minutes!
Ground Rules
Here are some ground rules to ensure effective brainstorming:
Deploy the "Umbrella of Grace": Every idea is valuable, and no idea should be dismissed or judged negatively during this stage. Encourage an environment of open creativity. Our creative team used this phrase often. When a team member felt hesitant to share a crazy concept, they would say, "Okay, Umbrella of Grace here..." before revealing the crazy! It works really well.
No Blocking: Any comments of disapproval when brainstorming can stifle creativity. If ideas risk being shot down, your team members will be less apt to share them. Uninhibited creativity is what you're after. While one creative element may not be plausible, it could lead to something greater! The purpose of brainstorming is idea generation, not evaluation. Save it for the next stage.
"Yes and": If someone has something to add to an idea, encourage them to build upon it rather than divert from it. "Yes and..." is constructive, while "Yes, but..." precedes deconstruction.
Allow for the Springboard: Sometimes, one person's idea can spark another from someone else. In these cases, have them jot down their idea immediately and add it to the list.
These are in a rough state. Invite your team to help you sift through the list, eliminating concepts that are impractical, too costly, time-consuming, or don't align with your objective. You only need a limited number of creative elements, so avoid going overboard. Don't discard the sticky notes with unused ideas; they might prove valuable for another time.
So, now you have some interesting thoughts to pursue. Now you're ready for the next stage: Development — refining your chosen creative elements.
As a helpful bonus, we've put together an infographic to complement this series. You can click HERE to download a free copy.
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