Combined Brainstorming Techniques for
Next-Level Innovation

Combined Brainstorming is an advanced ideation method that synthesizes multiple brainstorming approaches into a structured, multi-phase creative process. This technique integrates multiple brainstorming methods —such as individual, group, electronic, and structured brainstorming which allows one to leverage the strengths of each and generate breakthrough ideas through synergy.

1. Basic combined brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique that merges individual ideation with group brainstorming.

2. Structured combined brainstorming is a systematic approach to idea generation that follows a predefined process, rules, and frameworks. The process often incorporates multiple creativity techniques, such as Mind Mapping, SCAMPER, Role Storming, Six Thinking Hats, Design Thinking or SWOT analysis.
Using predefined techniques and clear rules ensures the generation of unexpected, original ideas while maintaining efficiency and clarity.

3. Hybrid brainstorming combines elements of both in-person and virtual brainstorming, leveraging digital and AI-integrated brainstorming tools, to maximise inclusivity and flexibility and enhance the range of participants and amount of ideas generated.

Hybrid Brainstorming can simultaneously combine multiple brainstorming methods—such as individual, group, digital and structured brainstorming. Thus, a team might begin with individual ideation using a SCAMPER and a digital mind-mapping tool, then share their ideas in a group session using Role Storming and Six Thinking Hats, and analyze and refine them by SWOT Analysis with asynchronous contributions on an online platform.

1. Author and History of the Technique

The roots of brainstorming trace back to 1939, when Alex Osborn sought to improve idea generation within his advertising agency. His observations led to the formalization of brainstorming techniques in his books, notably How to Think Up (1942) and Applied Imagination (1953).
Over the decades, various adaptations and techniques emerged, leading to the development of combined brainstorming. Over time, researchers and innovation experts, such as Edward de Bono (lateral thinking) and Tony Buzan (mind mapping), contributed to more structured approaches to ideation.
By the 1990s, with the rise of digital tools, practitioners began merging offline and online methods.
Today, combined brainstorming and its variations are widely used in business, design thinking, education, and problem-solving.

2. Description

Combined Brainstorming is a structured approach that merges diverse approaches into a single, fluid technique
This method begins with individuals generating ideas independently, followed by a collaborative session where these ideas are shared, discussed, and refined.
Combined Brainstorming encourages a more comprehensive, flexible, dynamic approach to problem-solving and ensures a balance between divergent and convergent, verbal and visual thinking.

3. Basic Functions

1. Generates a high volume of diverse creative ideas and encourages the free flow of from multiple perspectives.
2. Enhances problem-solving efficiency. Provides a structured yet flexible framework for tackling complex challenges.
3. Allows to combine of independent and collective creativity and enhances idea diversity and depth by incorporating multiple perspectives and cross-pollination of methods.
4. Fosters teamwork, collaboration, and collective problem-solving and involves all participants actively in the creative process.
5. Rationalizes and streamlines the ideation process by integrating structured methods.

4. Essence of the Technique

The essence of Combined Brainstorming lies in its integration of strengths from different methods. By blending individual idea generation, team collaboration, structure and spontaneity, using varied environments—physical and virtual, alternates between divergent and convergent thinking modes making it highly adaptable for complex challenges in business, education, and personal development.
At its core, Combined Brainstorming harnesses the power of collective creativity and methodological flexibility and adaptability. The essence of structured combined brainstorming lies in its ability to create a flexible framework that adapts to the characteristics of the group and the specificity and complexity of the problem.

5. Theoretical Foundations

The Combined Brainstorming technique draws from principles of cognitive psychology and is based on the Dual Process Theory of creativity, which balances divergent thinking with convergent thinking and on Cognitive Flexibility Theory which refers to adaptability in switching between modes of thought.
It also integrates insights from Group Dynamics, Social Facilitation Theory and communication studies, emphasizing how structured collaboration can optimize creativity.

6. Fundamental Principles

1. Balance of Collaboration and Autonomy: Equilibrium between individual ideation and group refinement.
2. Structure and Predefined Rules: Participants follow specific guidelines to generate, categorize, and refine ideas.
3. Sequential Flexibility: Participants, under the guidance of a facilitator, can switch between techniques fluidly.
4. Structured Flexibility: Offers a guided framework while encouraging freedom of thought.
5. Adaptability: Tailors the process to suit the problem and participants.
6. Iterative Refinement: Continuously Refining ideas through multiple stages.

7. General rules

1. Focus on Quantity: Aim for a high volume of ideas before evaluating them.
2. Refrain from judging ideas to foster a free-flowing atmosphere. Avoid criticism during the idea generation phase.
3. Encouraging Wild Ideas: All suggestions are welcomed, regardless of feasibility at this stage.
4. Building on Others’ Ideas: Participants are encouraged to combine and enhance ideas presented by others.

8. Special Rules

1. Appoint a facilitator to guide discussions and keep participants engaged.
2. Set clear goals and timeframes for each stage. Keep each segment brief to maintain energy and focus
4. Switch between individual and group brainstorming segments. Implement various techniques in phases, allowing for transitions between methods.
5. Capture all ideas for later evaluation. Use digital tools for documentation and idea tracking.
4. Ideas are systematically categorized, and evaluated for feasibility.
6. Initial ideas are improved upon through structured discussion and feedback loops.

9. Procedure

The procedure involves three distinct phases:
1. Begin by selecting appropriate techniques based on the problem type, then design a sequence that maximizes engagement and output. Select the techniques for structured brainstorming: Freewriting, Mind mapping, Reverse brainstorming, SCAMPER or Six Thinking Hats etc.
Resources for Digital Brainstorming:
a) Virtual breakout rooms with video conferencing.
b) Collaborative tools like Miro, Zoom, MURAL, and AI platforms.
c) Digital whiteboarding.
d) Real-time voting systems.
e) Cloud-based documentation.
2. Select Participants and ensure diversity in expertise and thinking styles.
Optimal Group Size: 5-8 participants.
Assigns tasks to those best suited to handle different processes.
3. Define success criteria.
Quantitative Measures: a) number of ideas generated, b) implementation rate, c) return on investment, d) time to solution.
Qualitative Measures: a) Solution quality, b) team cohesion, c) participant satisfaction, d) learning outcomes.

10. Main Steps and Stages

1. Steps and Stages for Base Combine Brainstorming

1. Define the Problem (10-15 minutes): Clearly articulate the challenge or goal.
Set Ground Rules and establish the framework for participation. Create a conducive environment for creativity. Set the tone and explain the session’s goals
2. Individual Brainstorming (15-20 minutes): Each participant generates ideas independently. Give individuals time to brainstorm by Freewriting.
3. Group Brainstorming (30 minutes): Discussion and Idea Combination
Round-Robin Sharing: Each participant shares one idea at a time, with everyone contributing.
– Group Discussion: Discuss, analyze and explore each idea in an open collaborative discussion and build upon shared ideas collectively.
– Idea Clustering: Group similar ideas into themes or categories. Apply frameworks to evaluate and refine ideas.
– Refinement: Encourage participants to combine concepts and build on each other’s ideas. Select a few key ideas and develop them further.
4. Evaluation (20 minutes): Evaluate and prioritize ideas collaboratively to focus on the most viable and actionable solutions. Rank ideas based on feasibility and impact. Use voting or consensus to select the best ideas for implementation.
5. Implementation Planning (15 minutes): Convert ideas into actionable solutions. Create a roadmap for applying and implementing selected ideas.

2. Steps and Stages for Structured Combine Brainstorming

1. Define the Objective and form the creative conditions (15-20 minutes): Clearly outline the purpose, goals, and desired outcomes. Establish success criteria and constraint identification.
1.1. Prepare the Environment: Set up a comfortable space conducive to creativity.
Arrange to seat in a circle or U-shape, prepare physical or digital idea boards.
1.3. Select the right Techniques: Choose complementary methods (e.g., mind mapping, rapid ideation).
1.4. Warm-Up Activity: Start with a light icebreaker to loosen inhibitions. Engage participants with a quick creative exercise to stimulate thinking.
2. Individual Ideation (20-25 minutes).
Use the first technique for a set time (e.g., mind mapping or Reverse Brainstorming, SCAMPER, Personal Mind Mapping, Free writing). Move to the next technique, encouraging participants to build on previous ideas.
Initial Categorization. Group similar ideas, identify patterns and mark promising directions
3. Group Discussion and Group Synergy (30-35 minutes)
Facilitate a group discussion to evaluate and refine ideas. Each person presents the top 3 ideas. Build on others’ ideas. Merge compatible ideas and cress-pollinate the concepts. Explore connections and create idea clusters. Develop hybrid solutions and Integrate findings from each technique into a unified framework. At this stage, it is effective to apply such techniques as Role Storming, Round-Robin storming, Design Thinking, and Six Thinking Hats.
4. Evaluate and refine ideas collaboratively (20 minutes).
Use criteria to select the most promising ideas. Rank ideas based on feasibility and impact. Record insights for future reference and implementation. Use the
SWOT Analysis and Dot Voting.
5. Action Planning (15 minutes). Develop a plan for implementing selected ideas.
6.. Feedback Loop (15 minutes). Gather feedback on the session for future improvements.

3. Steps and Stages of Hybrid Brainstorming

1. Preparation and Setup. Define the goal, scope, and key questions.
– Select digital tools for collaboration (e.g., collaborative software like Miro, MURAL, Google Jamboard, Slack, video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Mobile applications, and Cloud-based documentation) that support both in-person and remote participants.
– Schedule the session, ensuring participation across time zones if needed. I
– Designate a facilitator who manages the flow between in-person and virtual contributions and Assign roles (note-taker, technical support).
Icebreaker & Alignment: Engage participants with a warm-up exercise.
2. Individual Idea Generation Phase. Begin with Divergent Thinking and conduct Individual Brainstorming.
Use digital tools to allow all participants (in-person and remote) to contribute ideas simultaneously. Use a technique like Brainwriting, Rapid Ideation, Mind Mapping or SCAMPER to encourage free-flowing idea generation.
3. Group Collaboration. Share and expand on ideas. Encourage in-person and remote participants to analyze ideas together, Round-Use Robin Sharing: Facilitate a structured sharing process where each participant (in-person or remote) presents one idea at a time.
Breakout Groups: Divide participants into smaller groups to discuss and refine ideas.
Leverage Digital Platforms and Digital Tools and Document Ideas in Real-Time. Use features like polls, voting systems, or comment threads to gather input from everyone simultaneously.
Employ screen sharing or live annotations. At this stage, the most effective techniques will be Role Storming, Six Thinking Hats and Design Thinking.
4. Idea Evaluation and Prioritization. Facilitate a discussion to evaluate and refine ideas.
Clustering and Categorization: Group similar ideas together using digital tools to identify themes or patterns. Cluster ideas into themes and prioritize actionable ones.
Voting, Ranking and Prioritize: Use collaborative prioritization techniques, digital polling or voting tools (e.g., dot voting, ranking systems).
Document Outcomes: Use shared digital documents or project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana) to capture decisions, action items, and follow-up tasks.
5. Action Planning. Establish clear deadlines and identify team members responsible for developing or implementing top ideas and milestones for the next steps.
6. Follow-up and Feedback. Distribute a summary of the session, including ideas, decisions, and action items, to all participants
Conclude the session with a reflection period, discussing what worked well and areas for improvement. Gather feedback from all participants.

11. Examples

1. Business Innovation. A tech company used Combined Brainstorming to develop a new app feature. Individual developers brainstormed ideas, which were then refined in group sessions using the SCAMPER technique. The result was a groundbreaking feature that increased user engagement by 30%.
2. Communication Improvement. In a corporate training session aimed at improving interdepartmental communication, facilitators employed Mind Mapping followed by Reverse Brainstorming. Teams mapped out current communication flows and then explored ways to disrupt them intentionally. Identifying weak points helped develop robust new protocols, enhancing collaboration across departments.

12. Variants or Options

Several variations exist depending on context, goals, characteristics of the group and the specifics of the problem:

1. Double brainstorming
After a classical brainstorming session, participants take a break for 2-3 days and then repeat it again. During the break, the participants’ subconscious is activated and generates new unexpected fundamental ideas.

2. Reverse – Classical (direct) – Reverse brainstorming
1. First, using reverse brainstorming reveals all the flaws, weaknesses and contradictions of the existing objects and allocates them among the top.
2. Then, conduct the classical brainstorming session in order to overcome identified major deficiencies.
3. In the third stage, conduct the negative brainstorming to criticise ideas generated in the second stage

3. Shuttle Brainstorming
1. Two groups of participants with different abilities to generate ideas and to criticise are formed.
2. These groups of participants work in different rooms.
3. A group of idea generators begins a Brainstorming session: the leader poses a problem, asks each to generate new ideas, writes them and sends list of ideas to the critics.
4. Critics select the most interesting and promising ideas and, based on them, extend and specify a task that, after a break once again pas to group of idea generators.
5. The session repeated cyclically until an acceptable result is achieved.
A group of only six people can put forward in the process of shuttle storming 150 ideas for 30 minutes.

4. Freeform Combined Brainstorming. Allows participants to switch between techniques as they see fit.
5. Role Storming. Participants adopt different personas to generate ideas from various perspectives, which is useful in addressing customer or stakeholder needs.
6. Rapid Ideation. Time-constrained brainstorming sessions to produce quick, diverse ideas. Limiting the time for each phase will maintain focus and energy.

13. Advantages (Pros)

1. Enhanced Creativity by combining the strengths of individual insights and group synergy.
2. Balances structure and spontaneity. Facilitates a structured, actionable workflow.
3. Adapts to the needs of different projects, personalities and various team sizes, to any field or complexity level, to various group dynamics and objectives.
4. Encourages independent thinking prior to group discussion, minimizing conformity pressure
5. Fosters active participation from all members by valuing individual contributions. Participants feel more involved when using varied methods and Diverse activities.

14. Limitations (Cons)

1. The complexity of the method, which requires careful planning to avoid confusion when switching techniques.
2. Switching between methods can extend session duration and may require more time than traditional brainstorming methods.
3. Requires Skilled Facilitation Facilitators must be proficient in multiple techniques and have the flexibility to transition seamlessly between formats.
4. Participants might feel overwhelmed by the variety of approaches. Prolonged sessions with multiple techniques may lead to decreased energy.
5. Resource Intensive: Tools and materials for some techniques may require preparation.