Think independently
Participants record ideas individually before discussing them collectively.
Design thinking resource
Brainwriting
A structured ideation technique where participants write ideas independently before sharing them with the group.
Reduce group influence
Brainwriting minimises domination by confident contributors and reduces groupthink.
Expand through collaboration
Ideas can be shared, combined and developed once everyone has contributed.
Put the method to work
Put Brainwriting into practice
Present a challenge.
Record ideas individually.
Share and exchange contributions.
Cluster and develop promising concepts.
Why it matters
What Brainwriting makes possible
Encourages inclusion
Generates diverse perspectives
Reduces bias
Improves idea quality
Worked example
See it in action
An illustrative learning example, not a documented project case study. Observations, choices and outcomes show how the method could be applied; they are not research findings.
Challenge
How might we help first-year university students feel more connected during their first semester?
Brainwriting session
- Participants: 6
- Rounds: 3
- Time: 5 minutes per round
Round 1
- Participants independently generate ideas:
- Peer mentoring app
- Student interest matching
- Weekly social challenges
- Course-based discussion circles
- AI study partner
- Orientation treasure hunt
Round 2
- Participants build on existing ideas:
- Peer mentoring app with AI recommendations
- Interest matching plus local event suggestions
- Team-based social challenges
Round 3
- Participants refine ideas further:
- AI-powered student connection platform
- Gamified onboarding experience
- Faculty-specific mentoring network
Final outcomes
- The team grouped ideas into:
- Digital connections
- Social experiences
- Peer support
Selected concept
AI-powered student connection platform.
Why it was selected
It combined multiple ideas, addressed student isolation and appeared feasible as a prototype.
Common mistake
Participants begin discussing ideas too early. Brainwriting works best when people generate ideas independently before evaluating them.
Continue exploring
Return to Explore Possibilities.
Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.