Brainwriting is an ideation technique that involves generating and sharing ideas within a group without verbal communication. It allows participants to share their thoughts without fearing being judged or interrupted, which can help generate a wider range of ideas. In a brainwriting session, participants write down their ideas on a sheet of paper, then pass it to the person next to them, who adds their own ideas to the same sheet, and so on, until all participants have contributed their ideas.^[1]

Brainwriting sessions are beneficial when working with individuals who may feel more comfortable expressing their ideas in a written format rather than verbally. Brainwriting can foster a greater diversity of thought compared to traditional brainstorming sessions. Giving participants time to reflect and write individually allows them to draw from their unique perspectives and experiences, leading to a broader range of ideas. To run a brainwriting session:

• Define the problem. Begin by defining the problem or challenge that you want to address. For example, your challenge might be to design a more efficient and enjoyable in-store shopping experience for a retail store.
• Set up the brainwriting session. Provide each participant with a sheet of paper and pens or pencils. Explain the rules and process for the brainwriting session. For instance, participants will have 5 minutes to write down as many ideas as possible without speaking with others.
• Start generating ideas. Once the problem has been introduced, give participants time to write down as many ideas as possible.
• Pass the papers. After the time is up, have the participants pass their papers to the person on their left or right. Participants will then add their own ideas to the sheet of paper they have received, building on the ideas of the previous person or adding new ones. Repeat this process for several rounds until everyone has had the opportunity to contribute to every sheet of paper.
• Review and discuss the ideas. Discuss and refine the ideas generated, and prioritize the ones with the most potential. For example, you could review the ideas for improving the in-store shopping experience, such as redesigning the store layout, adding interactive displays, or providing personalized recommendations.