Use this tool when you are looking for true out-of-the-box solutions to problems that have proven to be especially stubborn over time. Also great for teams accustomed to traditional brainstorming methods who are looking for a new approach to mix things up.
What’s the purpose
As humans, we often find it easier to spot potential problems than potential new solutions. The Reverse Brainstorming method draws on this quirk in our nature, and gives us a powerful way to generate a wide variety of unexpected ideas in a very short timeframe.
How to do it
Add the How Might We question that you are focusing on in step one. Then, write a new How Might We question alongside it that would cause you to achieve the opposite effect or worsen the problem.
E.g. “How might we encourage a thousand people to sign up to X event?” would become “How might we ensure people do not sign up to X event?”
Next, brainstorm as many ideas as possible to solve your reversed challenge. For example, “by not promoting the event”, or “by providing bad customer service”. It's often most effective to give everyone some time to add ideas individually in silence.
Now, use these “reverse ideas” as inspiration to create solutions to your original problem. Share back as a team, and cluster common ideas if desired.
Finally, use the emoticons to vote on your favorite ideas.
Blank templateCompleted Reverse Brainstorming Template Example
Tips
Make your reverse problem statement exaggerated to get the best results from this exercise.
Timebox your brainstorm to keep momentum during the session.
In day-to-day work
Sometimes a regular brainstorm can feel really challenging. This template provides a technique to help you think about your problem differently and use alternative ways to arrive at good solutions. When you’re trying to come up with ideas to solve a problem and are feeling a bit stuck, get a group of colleagues together and try out a reverse brainstorm. It's super effective and really fun!
