Who says a brainstorming session can’t involve just you and your laptop? This is my favorite way to jump-start a new project because there are no deliverables, no expectations, and no “bad” ideas.
I once did this and walked away with some kickin’ ideas that not only ended up in front of my client; they were copy-ready for my client’s current interactive project.
The beauty of one-person brainstorming is that there is no process; just open a Word document and start typing. But for those of you that insist on a process (and you know who you are), here’s mine:
- Type words you like, words that make sense, ideas, phrases, fragments and partial sentences. Go until you can’t go anymore.
- Pull out supporting collateral and read through it, adding some of those words and phrases to your list. Rework some of those words and phrases into your own. Go until you can’t go anymore.
- Jump online and start looking at your web site, your competitors’ web site, your favorite inspiration site. Keep adding to your list of words.
- Move the words around and create variations of words and phrases (kind of like Words with Friends).
- Do not delete or modify anything on your list. Keep absolutely everything; even the so-called “dumb” ideas. Then start a new document and bring over some of your best ideas, fleshing them out until you’ve got it.