Brainwriting | A Method for Developing Ideas in Teams
“No good ideas come out in meetings…”
“I want to create more creative ideas as a team…”
In such situations, the group ideation method called “Brainwriting” is highly effective.
Brainwriting is a method where participants write down ideas and develop them collaboratively.
By building on others’ ideas, it becomes possible to generate innovative concepts that individuals would not think of alone.
It is widely used in product development, planning meetings, new business creation, marketing, and team building.
What is Brainwriting?
Brainwriting is a group ideation technique where participants write and develop ideas collaboratively.
Unlike traditional brainstorming, which relies on discussion, it focuses on writing, allowing equal participation from all members.
Ideas are passed along and improved step by step, expanding like an association chain.
How to Use Brainwriting
- The first participant writes 3 ideas
- Set a time limit of 2–3 minutes
- The next participant develops those ideas
- Continue passing and improving ideas
- Repeat for about 2 rounds
The key feature is that the entire team collectively develops a single idea.
Features of Brainwriting
- Builds on others’ ideas
- Generates ideas individuals cannot think of alone
- Easy for quiet participants to join
- Ideas expand continuously
- Improves teamwork
- Activates meetings
Rules of Brainwriting
- 1. Always develop the previous idea
- 2. Do not leave blanks
- 3. Do not criticize ideas
The most important rule is “no criticism.”
Judgment suppresses creativity and reduces participation.
All ideas should first be accepted and then developed further.
Example: Fashionable Smartphone Concept
Let’s consider a theme: “a fashionable smartphone.”
Below is an example of Brainwriting using a free template.
By sharing ideas, new concepts emerge that individuals could not generate alone.
If a business idea emerges during ideation, write it in the idea section.
| Stage | Idea |
|---|---|
| Initial Idea | Allow users to freely decorate smartphone cases |
| Developed Idea | Enable easy creation of original designs |
| Further Development | Provide a web-based design creation app |
| Business Idea | Custom-made smartphone case service |
By iterating ideas as a group, simple thoughts can evolve into viable business concepts.
Benefits of Brainwriting
- Generates many ideas in a short time
- Encourages participation from all members
- Expands creative thinking
- Activates meetings
- Improves creativity
- Strengthens team communication
Recommended For
- People struggling with idea generation in meetings
- Teams developing new businesses
- Product planners
- People who want to improve creativity
- Teams seeking better collaboration
- Those who are not good at brainstorming
Free Template Available
A free Brainwriting template (PDF) is available for immediate use.
Please use it for meetings, ideation sessions, and new business development.
Brainwriting Template: Download