Creativity is a key driver for business success. Companies that foster innovation and new idea generation gain a competitive edge in the market. In this article, we will explore practical examples of effective brainstorming, its applications in different business areas, and how to maximize its impact using proven tools and methodologies.
Real Brainstorming examples
Brainstorming sessions can transform an initial idea into a solid strategy. However, their success depends on proper planning and execution. Below, we will look at specific examples across various business areas.
Brainstorming for companies
Innovative companies have adopted structured brainstorming to solve problems and develop new strategies. A clear example is Amazon, which promotes a «narrative writing» culture before any brainstorming session. Before a meeting, participants must present a six-page document detailing their idea. This approach prevents aimless meetings and ensures more productive discussions.
Another case is Google, where brainstorming sessions leverage the Design Sprint technique—a five-day process that helps teams identify problems, generate ideas, develop prototypes, and test solutions with real users.
🔹 Tip: To implement brainstorming in companies, ensure you define a clear objective and use techniques such as mind maps or the Gordon Method to structure the process.
Brainstorming for human resources
The Human Resources department can benefit from brainstorming in multiple areas, from talent acquisition to enhancing organizational culture. One example is Netflix, which promotes open brainstorming sessions to define talent retention strategies and employee benefits. During these sessions, participants contribute ideas on how to improve company culture, leading to some of the most innovative HR policies in the industry.
🔹 Tip: Use the Round Robin technique, where each team member must contribute one idea per turn, ensuring equal participation
Brainstorming for marketing
In the world of Marketing, brainstorming is essential for creating innovative campaigns. Coca-Cola has successfully used the Role Storming technique, where participants take on the role of the consumer to propose campaigns from their perspective. This strategy led to iconic campaigns like “Share a Coke”.
Another company that has mastered brainstorming in marketing is Apple. Their team utilizes the Five-Pointed Star technique to structure product and communication ideas. By asking questions like «What do we want to communicate?» and «What is the best way to do it?», they have developed minimalist yet highly effective campaigns.
🔹 Tip: Implement digital tools like Miro or Mural to visually organize ideas and promote remote collaboration.
Types of Brainstorming
There are multiple brainstorming methodologies, each designed to adapt to different business scenarios.
Classic brainstorming: Direct style
This is the traditional method, where participants freely express ideas without restrictions. It is typically used in small teams (4 to 10 people) to avoid information overload.
🔹 Methodology:
- Define a topic or problem.
- Each participant shares their ideas spontaneously.
- A moderator records all suggestions without judgment.
- Finally, the best ideas are analyzed and refined.
Example: Tech startups like Airbnb have used this method to enhance user experience improvements.
Turn-Based: Round Robin Method
This method ensures equal participation from all team members (between 5 and 12 people).
🔹 Methodology:
- A question or problem is presented.
- Each participant shares one idea in their turn, without interruptions.
- The process repeats multiple times until a broad list of solutions is gathered.
- The best ideas are analyzed and voted on.
🔹 Example: At Spotify, Round Robin sessions have helped balance employee participation in the ideation of new platform features.
Problem-Solving: Gordon Method
This method focuses on problem-solving without biases. It is recommended for teams of 5 to 8 people.
🔹 Methodology:
- The problem is presented in fragments.
- Participants analyze each fragment before knowing the full context.
- Possible solutions are generated as more details are revealed.
- The most viable solution is selected.
🔹 Example: Microsoft has applied this method in the development of new software, presenting fragmented problems to developers without revealing the full context.
Idea organization: Mind Maps
Mind maps help visualize ideas and their connections, making them ideal for creative teams.
🔹 Methodology:
- Define a central concept.
- Add related ideas in the form of branches.
- Establish connections between ideas.
- Prioritize and organize the most relevant concepts.
🔹 Example: At Tesla, mind maps have been used to define the evolution of their electric vehicle models.
Role Storming
In this technique, participants take on different roles to bring new perspectives to the discussion.
🔹 Methodology:
- Each person adopts a fictional or real character.
- Problems are analyzed from the perspective of these roles.
- Solutions are generated based on different viewpoints.
🔹 Example: Video game companies like Nintendo use Role Storming to understand how different types of players perceive their products.
Five-Pointed Star
This technique is based on five key questions: What? Who? When? Where? Why?
🔹 Methodology:
- A central problem or idea is presented.
- Each question is answered in detail.
- Connections are established between the answers.
🔹 Example: Nike has used this method to define its communication strategy in global campaigns.
Can brainstorming be used to generate business ideas?
Absolutely! Brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating innovative business ideas. Companies like Uber and Airbnb originated from well-structured brainstorming sessions, where unmet market needs were identified.
🔹 Key Factors for a successful business idea brainstorming:
- Define a real market problem.
- Use techniques like mind maps or the Gordon Method to analyze different approaches.
- Include diverse perspectives in the team, from potential customers to industry experts.
- Evaluate the feasibility of each idea and prioritize those with the highest potential.
How can Hybo help simplify your team meetings?
For a brainstorming session to be effective, you need a space that fosters creativity and focus. With Hybo, you can book meeting rooms equipped with technology and proper furniture to ensure productive sessions.
Benefits of using Hybo for your brainstorming sessions:
✔ Quick and easy booking: Secure your space hassle-free.
✔ Well-equipped spaces: Whiteboards, screens, and a stable connection.
✔ Efficient management: Schedule meetings without availability conflicts.
✔ Flexibility: Adjust bookings based on session duration.
💡Start planning your brainstorming sessions with Hybo today and take your team’s creativity to the next level!💡
