An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for Brainwriting
This IdeaScale Whiteboard will be our collaborative space for the brainwriting session. We'll use its digital sticky notes and collaborative features to capture and develop our ideas.
Brainstorming Objectives:
- To generate a large quantity of diverse ideas in a short period.
- To encourage equal participation and minimize groupthink.
- To provide a comfortable environment for introverted participants.
- To use the whiteboard to capture, share, and build upon ideas.
Timing: 60 minutes
Brainstorming Instructions - 40 minutes
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Welcome participants and explain the concept of brainwriting.
- Highlight the benefits of brainwriting over traditional brainstorming.
- Explain the rules: silent idea generation, building on others' ideas, and equal contribution.
- Demonstrate how to use the digital sticky notes and move them around on the whiteboard.
- Present the central question or problem to be addressed.
Brainstorming Instructions (40 minutes)
- Activity 1: Silent Idea Generation (15 minutes)
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- Each participant silently writes down their initial ideas on digital sticky notes.
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- Encourage participants to write down as many ideas as possible.
- Instruct participants to place their sticky notes in a designated area of the whiteboard.
- Activity 2: Idea Rotation and Building (20 minutes)
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- After a set time, participants rotate to view the ideas of others.
- Participants then add to, modify, or build upon the existing ideas on the sticky notes.
- This rotation continues until everyone has had a chance to contribute to all ideas.
- Facilitate the rotation, and ensure everyone is contributing.
- Activity 3: Idea Clustering and Discussion (5 minutes)
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- As a group, begin to cluster similar ideas together on the whiteboard.
- Briefly discuss the emerging themes and key insights.
Adjourn (10 minutes)
- Summarize the key themes and ideas generated during the session.
- Discuss potential next steps or action items.
- Capture the final whiteboard and distribute it to participants.
- Thank participants for their contributions.
Tips for Facilitators
- Emphasize the importance of silent idea generation.
- Ensure a smooth rotation process.
- Encourage participants to build upon existing ideas, not just add new ones.
- Facilitate the clustering and discussion without imposing your own opinions.
- Use the whiteboard to visually represent the idea clusters.
- Ensure all participants have equal opportunity to contribute.