What is brainstorming in the design process| Essential brainstorming techniques in UX design
Design thinking is a significant UX deliverable. It setups a smooth foundation for an actionable process. Therefore, every design process includes it. One of the essential parts of design thinking is brainstorming. Brainstorming helps to achieve a design outline for the rest of the process. It results in a clear understanding of the project brief and requirements.
In this article, you will learn the essentials and methods of UX design brainstorming. Read the article till the end to grasp the concept of brainstorming in the design process.
What is brainstorming in design thinking?
Brainstorming is the process of generating ideas in mind for a specific task. Its importance increases in the design process. Therefore, it is regarded as a beneficial UX design deliverable. Design brainstorming helps to identify user problems and their solutions. In this way, it creates an environment of progressive design strategy.
UX designers use brainstorming in the design process to determine design solutions. This way, they better draft product or service design.
Furthermore, design brainstorming helps to formulate an action plan. You can’t proceed with your design project without clearly understanding the project brief. A brainstorming session helps understand the core essentials of a design project. Hence, it helps you in the actual design experiments.
What are the brainstorming techniques in the design process?
The process of brainstorming varies from business to business. You can conduct brainstorming at an individual or collective level. It’s your preference. However, group brainstorming is beneficial for large companies.
Here are some essential brainstorming techniques for individual and group teams.
- Brainstorming process for individuals designers:
If you are working with a freelance designer or an individual team, you can opt for the individual brainstorming process. A designer can brainstorm multiple ideas related to a project. In this process, he will need a simple sheet to write down his random ideas. After writing all the ideas, he will edit and finalize the first draft. You can consult with him to better understand the project brief and requirements. In this way, brainstorming will help establish a creative design strategy.
- Cubing:
Cubing is an excellent type of brainstorming. It describes the different perspectives of an idea. This process is based on the multiple wings of a certain idea.
In cubing, a designer will draw a set of rectangles to describe the different perspectives of an idea. Designer will put the details in the relevant rectangle. This way, each rectangle will describe the specific view of the idea.
The different perspectives of an idea in the cubing technique are:
- Describe: What is the idea about?
- Compare: How is it better than that idea?
- Associate: How is this idea linked with that idea?
- Analyze: How is the impact of this idea?
- Apply: What are the application process and result of the idea?
- Pros and cons: What are the advantages and disadvantages of this idea?
- Brainstorming process for design teams:
Group brainstorming is an effective way to acquire the essential design concept. In design teams, all the individuals can present and write their ideas on a paper sheet. In this way, you will have multiple ideas to finalize the draft.
The most important thing about brainstorming in design teams is active participation. Therefore, ensure all the members take active participation in the process. This way, the brainstorming process will generate beneficial ideas.
In the next step, team members will share their ideas to create a final draft. Everything needs to be smooth and creative. A free-thinking environment will help to lead the brainstorming session successfully.
- Rapid brainstorming:
Designers can also use rapid brainstorming. In rapid brainstorming, designers and other team members will generate multiple ideas at a quick pace. In this way, you will get extensive ideas. Writing is essential for rapid brainstorming to keep the record.
In this process, the focus should be on quantity, not on quality. After consultation with the design teams, you can compare the ideas and finalize a single draft.
- Mind mapping:
Mind mapping defines a certain topic. It involves the selection of targeted ideas. After that, it generates sub-topics from the main idea.
This method of brainstorming is also beneficial for design teams. They can ask different questions from each other to generate sub-branches. In this way, you will get a list of relevant design ideas.
- Starbursting technique:
Starbursting is a brilliant brainstorming technique. It defines six different angles of a design idea. Hence, design teams can get a clear understanding of the design project. The main areas of this brainstorming technique are to answer these questions:
- Who
- Where
- When
- Why
- How
- What
In this method, designers will visualize the core areas of this technique into a large star. After that, they will assign the relevant answers to each question.
How to brainstorm for the UX design process perfectly?
Brainstorming usually occurs in the ideation phase. It requires a proper pattern to be on track. Simply put, design teams need to use a strategic approach to design thinking. In this way, you will get the desired results.
On the other hand, the brainstorming session requires a free-thinking environment. It can’t flourish in a disturbing atmosphere. Therefore, all the designers and team members should be relaxed and positive. Fresh minds with creative thinking will result in ideating multiple successful ideas.
Here are 7 essential elements for a successful brainstorming process.
- Organize a time schedule:
Time is money. You should utilize it properly. Therefore, organize a specific time duration for the brainstorming process. It may be 15-60 minutes.
- Identify the specific problem and project brief:
Business and audience requirements are the core of a design process. The foremost part of the brainstorming is the identification of the project brief. Designers can search for competitors and creative designs to get an initial understanding. Overall, they need to keep the user experience in mind.
- Keep it positive and smooth:
Brainstorming is a creative task. Therefore, it should run smoothly and positively. Ensure to avoid criticism and disturbance among the design teams.
- Generate multiple ideas:
One of the great benefits of brainstorming is the generation of multiple ideas. Design teams consist of a large number of members. They will present their creative ideas. Hence, you will have extensive ideas for the design process.
- Mutual discussion for the ideas:
Mutual discussion is essential for consensus. Designers will share their ideas to create a single draft of combined ideas. The draft will include all the main details of the design process. This draft will be used as a foundation for the rest of the design process.
- Visualize the ideas:
Visualization triggers remembrance. Therefore, it is better to visualize the ideas. In this way, they can be easily memorable. Designers can use charts, infographics, sketches and illustrations for this purpose.
- Record the session for future understanding:
Recording is optional. However, you can utilize this facility to keep a record. Later on, the session recording can be used for future understanding.
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Brainstorming is essential for the design process. It provides a basis for the design process. Therefore, you should include it in the design process of your product or service.
Ensure healthy thinking and discussion for a successful UX design brainstorming. Also, you should arrange proper participation of the team members in the brainstorming session. Keep everything on track during the process because limitless freedom may hamper the process. However, you should still encourage free thinking.
After completing the brainstorming process, you will understand the core of user experience and design. Hence, it will contribute to the success of the final product or service design.