Reverse Brainstorming Template
Reverse your thinking in order to find the solution to a problem.
Trusted by 65M+ users and leading companies
About the Reverse Brainstorming Template
What is reverse brainstorming?
Reverse brainstorming is a technique that prompts a group to think of problems, rather than solutions. Because humans naturally think of problems, it’s a great way to get a group to anticipate problems that may occur during a project.
How it works
Here's how to lead a brainstorm using the reverse brainstorming method:
Start by identifying the problem. Write down a description of it so it’s clear for each participant.
Next, reverse the problem. Instead of thinking of solutions to the problem, think of causes or things that could happen to make the problem worse.
Now, collect ideas from your participants. Ask your team to generate ideas around ways in which the problem could get worse. There are no bad ideas—accept every possible scenario your team can think of, and don’t offer criticism.
Reverse ideas again. By now, you have several ideas. Discuss them, and reverse them again, into solutions to those problems.
Lastly, evaluate the ideas. Now is the time to evaluate which ideas are feasible. As a group, decide what the best solution will be to your original problem. When to use reverse brainstorming
Reverse brainstorming is a great method to use in several scenarios. For example, when people have trouble coming up with ideas quickly, or if participants come into the brainstorm with strong opinions that might hinder the free flow of new ideas. It can also be useful if your team is highly analytical.
By reversing the problem to focus on the cause, or looking at ways the problem could get worse, it helps identify solutions more easily. After all, humans identify problems so much more easily than they can think of solutions. This reverse thinking can help lead you to groundbreaking solutions.
Try the Reverse Brainstorming Template
Miro's virtual canvas is a great tool for your brainstorm. Here’s how you can start reverse brainstorming using this template:
Step 1: Open the template to start customizing it for your reverse brainstorming session. Start by identifying the problem.
Step 2: Invite your group to join the reverse brainstorm. Be sure to explain the process before you get started.
Step 3: Use the template to move through the reverse brainstorming process with your team.
Get started with this template right now.
Card Sorting Template
Works best for:
Desk Research, UX Design, Brainstorming
Card sorting is a brainstorming technique typically used by design teams but applicable to any brainstorm or team. The method is designed to facilitate more efficient and creative brainstorms. In a card sorting exercise, you and your team create groups out of content, objects, or ideas. You begin by labeling a deck of cards with information related to the topic of the brainstorm. Working as a group or individuals, you then sort the cards in a way that makes sense to you, then label each group with a short description. Card sorting allows you to form unexpected but meaningful connections between ideas.
Executive Summary Template
Works best for:
Leadership, Project Management, Documentation
Pique their curiosity. Get them excited. Inspire them to keep reading, diving further into your proposal details. That’s what a good executive summary has the power to do—and why it’s a crucial opening statement for business plans, project plans, investment proposals, and more. Use this template to create an executive summary that starts building belief, by answering high-level questions that include: What is your project? What are the goals? How will you bring your skills and resources to the project? And who can expect to benefit?
Kubernetes Application Template
Works best for:
Software Development, Diagrams
Use the Kubernetes Application template to manage enterprise-ready containerized applications better. You can now get your team more agile when dealing with portability, licensing, and consolidated billing. The Kubernetes Application template allows you to run deployments anywhere, facilitating the management of your applications. Try it out and see if it’s the best fit for you and your team.
SOAR Analysis Template
Works best for:
Leadership, Decision Making, Strategic Planning
The SOAR Analysis template prompts you to consider your organization’s strengths and potential to create a shared vision of the future. The SOAR Analysis is unique in that it encourages you to focus on the positive rather than solely identifying areas for growth. SOAR stands for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. To use the template, examine each category through a positive lens. Perform a SOAR Analysis whenever you want to bring people together and encourage action.
Cost-Benefit Analysis Template
Works best for:
Leadership, Decision Making, Strategic Planning
With so many day-to-day decisions to make—and each one feeling high-stakes—it’s easy for all the choices to weigh a business or organization down. You need a systematic way to analyze the risks and rewards. A cost benefit analysis gives you the clarity you need to make smart decisions. This template will let you conduct a CBA to help your team assess the pros and cons of new projects or business proposals—and ultimately help your company preserve your precious time, money, and social capital.
Disney Creative Strategy Template
Works best for:
Business Management, Ideation, Brainstorming
Know who knew a little something about coming up with ideas that set imaginations alight? Walt Disney. And he inspired the Disney Creative Strategy, an approach that establishes three types of thinkers—dreamers, realists, and critics—and gives each the space to do clear thinking. Your team will go through an engaging exercise of adopting the three mindsets, where they’ll focus on a specific aspect of the idea. The Disney Creative Strategy has a way of yielding brilliant ideas and great products. That’s why it’s used successfully by organizations of all kinds and sizes.