diverge · Ideation · 60 min · 3-11 people · high energy

Disruptive Brainstorming

Disruptive Brainstorming is a dynamic ideation technique that uses forced perspective shifts to generate novel solutions. By introducing random constraints and team rotations, it breaks conventional thinking patterns and unlocks fresh ideas.

When to use Disruptive Brainstorming

Use this method when you need to overcome stagnant thinking, generate a high volume of diverse ideas, or inject energy into a brainstorming session.

What it solves

Lack of creative ideas, Groupthink, Sticking to familiar solutions

How to run Disruptive Brainstorming, step by step

  1. Prep (15 min) - Define a clear brainstorming theme and gather relevant background information. Prepare Disrupt cards (physical or digital) and set up a collaboration space (whiteboard, Trello board, etc.). Share background info with participants in advance.
  2. Set the Stage (5 min) - Explain the goal: generate as many ideas as possible without judgment. Emphasize quantity over quality and encourage open-mindedness.
  3. Brainstorm (10 min) - Divide the team into two groups. Each group brainstorms ideas related to the theme, documenting them in the shared space. Encourage discussion and refinement of ideas as they are added.
  4. Cut! (5 min) - Bring the groups together. Silently, each group removes ideas from the other group's list that are unachievable, unsupported, or irrelevant to the theme.
  5. Disrupt (5 min) - Switch one member from each group to the other. Have each group randomly select a Disrupt card.
  6. Brainstorm Again (10 min) - Groups brainstorm again, this time focusing on ideas related to the concept on their Disrupt card.
  7. Cut! Again (5 min) - Repeat the silent cutting process.
  8. Final Round (10 min) - Switch a different person from each group and choose a new Disrupt card. Brainstorm one final time.
  9. Final Cut (5 min) - Conduct the most significant cut, leaving only the most promising ideas.

Materials needed

  • Remote Video conferencing with screen sharing
  • Digital collaboration tool (Trello, Miro, Confluence)
  • Disrupt cards
  • Timer
  • Whiteboard or large sheet of paper
  • Sticky notes
  • Markers

Facilitator tips

  • Emphasize the importance of the 'cut' phases to force prioritization.
  • Ensure Disrupt cards are relevant to the brainstorming theme or adaptable.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants taking the 'cut' phase personally. Remind them it's about feasibility, not personal criticism.
  • Groups struggling to connect ideas to the Disrupt cards. Offer clarifying questions or examples.

Variations

  • Scramble: Instead of swapping one member, completely reshuffle the groups each round.
  • Super Cuts: Specify the maximum number of ideas each group can leave after each cut.
  • Envelope, Please: Pre-select Disrupt cards and reveal them one at a time in envelopes (physical or digital).

Running it online or hybrid

Utilize breakout rooms and digital collaboration tools like Miro or Trello to replicate the in-person experience. Ensure remote participants have access to digital Disrupt cards.

What it produces

A collection of diverse ideas, categorized and prioritized for further exploration.

Origin

Adapted from Atlassian — source

Build a session around Disruptive Brainstorming

METODIC places Disruptive Brainstorming inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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