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Using asynchronous brainstorming for better product ideation

Asynchronous brainstorming is a technique for generating a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. It involves a group of people contributing ideas independently, rather than in a traditional in-person brainstorming session.

There are several benefits to using asynchronous brainstorming. First, it allows team members to contribute ideas at their own pace and on their own schedule. This can be especially helpful for teams with members in different time zones or with busy schedules.

Second, asynchronous brainstorming can lead to a more diverse range of ideas. With in-person brainstorming, group dynamics can sometimes lead to certain individuals dominating the conversation and stifling the contribution of others. With asynchronous brainstorming, everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute their ideas. As an introvert, I always loved to use asynchronous brainstorming to generate novel product ideas after I had defined the problem well.

To use asynchronous brainstorming there are a few steps to follow:

1. Clearly define the problem or opportunity that the team is trying to address. This is crucial, because if not all sorts of unhelpful random ideas will be suggested. Good framing is key for good brainstorming. I usually record a very short video and make a short TLDR-type of text to guide the brainstorm.
2. Set a (short) deadline for contributions. I never give more than 3 or 4 days, because people will either do it right away or postpone until the last minute.
3. Make it easy to send contributions. I like to use either Google Forms or Easy Retro. It’s simple and there is no need to login. I prefer Easy Retro because I like that people contributing can already see what was written before their contribution (this can spark new ideas). Also, don’t ask a lot of upfront work, this is a brainstorm. A simple title + explanation is enough.
4. Encourage team members to contribute as many ideas as possible. Make sure to tell them that you are looking for quantity, not quality. The judgment of ideas comes after the brainstorm.
5. After the idea generation is over, have your team analyze them. Once the idea generation period is over, the team can review all of the ideas and select the ones that are most promising for further exploration. Don’t be shy to group those ideas or even generate new ones.

Asynchronous brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating a large number of product ideas in a short amount of time. By allowing team members to contribute ideas independently, it can lead to a more diverse range of ideas and help teams come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

Want to know more about idea validation?

You can check my online course teaching you how to validate ideas and, before that, how to map opportunities with the Opportunity Solution Tree.