Reverse Brainstorming

Reverse (negative) brainstorming

Reverse brainstorming

This method is combining brainstorming and reversal techniques.
Theoretical background: its negativity can be advantageous and seen in a positive light.
Reverse brain-storming is a good technique to try when it is difficult to identify solutions to the problem directly. Reversal  technique  is asking the exact opposite of the question you want answered, and then apply the results appropriately.
Procedure Steps:
1. Participants begin with clear identification  the problem or challenge.
2. The leader state the problem that is the opposite of their goal. He reverse the problem by asking: “How could you possibly achieve the opposite effect?”, “How not to solve the problem?” or “How can we go out of business?”, “How can we make our workplace more depressing?”.
3. The leader ask participants to generate reverse solution ideas. He invite participants do not reject anything at this stage and allow the ideas to flow freely.
Participants reverse all received ideas into solution ideas for the original problem. Those new unusual ideas can used as a springboard to more realistic and useful solutions to their actual problem statement.
4.  Participants reverse all received ideas into solution ideas for the original problem. Those new unusual ideas can used as a springboard to more realistic and useful solutions to their actual problem statement.
5. Participants evaluate these solution ideas and select the most effective and practical.

Negative Brainstorming

1. Negative brainstorming consists of a conventional brainstorming session  that is applied to questions such as:  ‘What could go wrong with this project?’
This technique is considered as Analysing Potential Problem, Technique “Analysis of defects”  and examining potential failures of situation, real-existing objects, product or service.
The purpose of the reverse brainstorming is compiling the most complete list of contradictions, defects, deficiencies, gaps, imperfections and limitations of real existing objects  or ideas.
2. This technique can be used as a final evaluation of a  short-list  of  previously team-generated ideas in the conventional brainstorming session
Procedure Steps:
1. The team displays a final list of previously brainstormed ideas that passed preliminary evaluation.
2. One by one, all ideas are questioned or criticized for possible shortcomings, problems, weaknesses, or serious consequences if implemented.
3. After all ideas have been evaluated  the team selects the best idea that can easy and effectively implemented.