Storyboarding brainstorming is a creative technique where a group generates ideas and then organizes them visually, focusing on the sequencing and categorization of information.
Understanding Storyboarding Brainstorming
Storyboarding, in the context of brainstorming, is not about creating detailed visual stories with illustrations as you might think. Instead, it uses visual arrangement as a means of organizing and understanding the flow of thoughts. This differs from traditional linear note-taking in that it encourages non-linear thinking and provides a more spatial understanding of the ideas generated.
How it Works
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Idea Generation: The group brainstorms freely, focusing on generating a large quantity of ideas.
- Idea Capture: Each idea is written on a separate card or sticky note.
- Random Placement: The cards are then posted randomly on a wall or a designated board. This randomness avoids premature organization and ensures that all ideas get equal consideration. The reference information confirms this: "As the group brainstorms, write each idea on a card or sticky note, and post it randomly on a wall or other predetermined location."
- Later Categorization & Sequencing: After the initial brainstorming session, the group moves to the next stage to begin arranging the cards or notes.
- Cards are clustered into categories, highlighting related ideas.
- Cards are placed into a sequence, showing how ideas are related to each other over time or as part of a process.
- Discussion and Refinement: The act of physically manipulating ideas provides a visual representation that encourages discussion, refinement, and the discovery of connections that might not be obvious in a list format.
Advantages of Storyboarding Brainstorming
- Visual Organization: It allows for the visual arrangement of ideas, aiding understanding and revealing connections.
- Non-Linear Thinking: Encourages non-linear thinking and breaks from traditional sequential processes.
- Categorization: Facilitates grouping of ideas into categories or themes.
- Sequencing: Makes the order and flow of ideas or processes clearer.
- Flexibility: Provides flexibility for rearranging and restructuring ideas.
- Engagement: It is a more engaging and interactive brainstorming method than simple note-taking.
Example Scenario
Imagine a team brainstorming ideas for a new app.
- They would write down ideas like "user login," "profile settings," "chat feature," "notification system," "search functionality," and "map integration" on individual sticky notes.
- The notes would be initially posted randomly.
- Later, the team would move the notes around to create a sequence of user experience flow (login -> settings -> profile -> chat) or categorize by functionality type (user profiles, communication, search).
Practical Insight
Using different colors of sticky notes for categories can further enhance the visual aspect of the storyboarding process.
This allows for faster recognition of the patterns and helps in quick idea review.
