Are your brainstorming sessions falling flat? Here are some ways to boost the energy and tap back into inspiration:

Change the groups. If your brainstormers are working in large groups, break into small groups, or vice versa.

Refer to the materials you've brought for inspiration.

Look at the antithesis of what you're trying to accomplish. Ask "What would be the one thing we don't want to create or accomplish? What would we not want to name this product?" This strategy may trigger some interesting results.

Change the scale of the product. If it's a large package, imagine it as something you can hold in your hand. How does this alter your thinking?

Change the rhythm of the session. Get up and do something physical or introduce a new stimuli, like music or video clips.

HOW June 1999