50 Brainstorming Methods:

When faced with a difficult problem, one of the best ways of finding an effective solution is to organize a brainstorming session. Brainstorming is a group ideation method that was popularized by Alex Faickney Osborn in the 1953 book Applied Imagination. Brainstorming remains today one of the most powerful methods available for developing original ideas. Brainstorming is a way of applying a collaborative approach to innovation. There are many different brainstorming methods. Different design practitioners can select different methods and apply them in different ways. You do not need to be an expert to participate in a brainstorm. The best results are obtained with a diverse team of participants which may include managers, designers, engineers, marketing, sales manufacturing professionals and end users of the product or service with people from different disciplines, cultures, gender, income and ages. This book includes methods with a variety of different approaches to brainstorming. I have included a number of warming up exercises which will help your participants produce productive outcomes quickly. Western organizations are turning to innovation as a primary way of differentiating their offering.

Rob Curedale was born in Australia and worked as a designer, director and educator in leading design offices in London, Sydney, Switzerland, Portugal, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Detroit, and China. He designed and managed over 1,000 products and experiences as a consultant and in-house design leader for the world's most respected brands. Rob has three decades experience in every aspect of product development, leading design teams to achieve transformational improvements in operating and financial results. Rob's designs can be found in millions of homes and workplaces around the world. He is the author of eight books related to design, research and design thinking. Rob teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and consults to organizations in the United States and internationally and presents workshops related to design. He has taught at many respected design schools and universities throughout the world including Yale, Pepperdine University, Art Center Pasadena, Loyola University, Cranbrook, Pratt, Art Center Europe; and schools in Portugal, China and Australia.