What it is for:Brainwriting is a silent way to generate ideas. The team leaves with a large, readable set of ideas, many already improved by several people, grouped into themes with outliers kept to one side.
Who it helps:Groups where senior voices dominate, or where some people are shy, new or working in a second language, and many ideas are needed fast.
When to use it
Your group includes senior people whose views tend to shape the discussion.
Some participants are shy, new, or working in a second language.
You need a large number of ideas in a short time.
How to use it
Show the How might we question and explain that the session is silent.
Each person writes three specific ideas in five minutes.
Pass the sheet left and add three more, building on what is there, for several rounds.
Read all sheets silently and star promising or surprising ideas.
Cluster the starred ideas, keep the odd ones, and record the strongest with a test question.
Tip:Keep it silent. Even friendly comments during writing pull ideas towards the speaker.
Credits and sources:Original Tiremesù worksheet and wording. Further reading: Interaction Design Foundation https://assets.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/worst-possible-idea
Full guide and film:https://www.tiremesu.com/guides/brainwriting
