Traditional Brainstorm

A traditional brainstorm template is a structured framework that helps teams generate ideas together in a collaborative setting. Unlike newer ideation methods, this classic brainstorm session template creates a dedicated space for teams to collectively explore solutions to challenges, focused on quantity of ideas first, accompanied by evaluation and refinement later.  

Why use the Traditional Brainstorm Template? 

Despite the rise of newer ideation techniques, the Traditional Brainstorm Template remains popular because it creates a simple, accessible framework that most team members already understand. This free brainstorming template helps teams: 

• Break through creative blocks when facing complex challenges 
• Leverage collective intelligence from diverse perspectives 
• Create a shared understanding of difficulties and potential solutions 
• Generate a large quantity of ideas quickly 
• Build team cohesion through collaborative problem-solving 

The traditional approach works particularly well for teams that thrive on verbal interaction and social energy. When paired with effective brainstorming techniques like setting clear goals and establishing ground rules, this template helps ensure productive sessions that lead to actionable outcomes rather than just interesting discussions. 

Who is this template for? 

The Traditional Brainstorm Template serves a wide range of teams and scenarios: 

• Product teams seeking new features or solutions to user problems 

• Marketing groups developing campaign concepts or messaging strategies 

• Operations teams recognizing process improvements or efficiency gains 

• Leadership teams exploring strategic directions or organizational changes 

• Customer service teams discovering ways to enhance the customer experience 

• Cross-functional groups bringing together various expertise on complex obstacles.  

• Startups defining their value proposition or exploring new market opportunities 

Any team that needs to generate ideas collaboratively can benefit from this printable brainstorm sheet, especially when facing challenges that require creative thinking from multiple perspectives. The template is particularly valuable for in-person sessions where teams can feed off each other's energy and build ideas together in real-time. 

Benefits of the Traditional Brainstorm 

Using a team brainstorming tool like the Traditional Brainstorm Template offers several key advantages: 

Collective Intelligence 

By bringing together diverse perspectives, teams tap into a broader range of knowledge, experiences, and thinking styles than any individual could access alone. 

Increased Engagement 

Active participation in idea generation creates stronger buy-in for the eventual solutions, as team members feel ownership of the process and outcomes.

Rapid Idea Generation 

The structured nature of a traditional brainstorming session brings more ideas in less time. 

Improved Team Dynamics 

Collaborative brainstorming builds relationships and mutual understanding as team members learn from each other's perspectives and thinking processes. 

Immediate Feedback 

Ideas can be clarified, expanded, and refined in real-time through group discussion, leading to more developed concepts by the end of the session. 

Documentation of Ideas 

The template provides a record of all concepts generated, ensuring valuable insights aren't lost after the session ends. 

Accessibility 

The simplicity of the traditional approach makes it accessible to team members regardless of their experience with ideation techniques. 

How to use the template?

• Open it 

• Find the Traditional Brainstorm template in the library and open it with one click. 

• Set the stage 

• Define your challenge: Write your main problem statement or question at the top of the template. 

• Establish ground rules: Add notes about key principles like "no criticism during ideation" and "aim for quantity." 

• Set a clear timeframe: Decide how long your brainstorming session will last (typically 30-60 minutes). 

• Run the session 

• Warm up: Begin with a quick icebreaker exercise to get creative thinking flowing. 

• Individual ideation: Give participants 5-10 minutes to silently write down their initial ideas. 

• Share and build: Go around the group, with each person sharing one idea at a time while others listen. 

• Group discussion: Allow the team to naturally build on shared ideas, capturing new connections. 

• Categorize ideas: Group similar concepts to identify themes and patterns. 

• Refine and prioritize 

• Add notes: Attach comments or context. 

• Vote and prioritize: Use reaction tools to highlight top concepts. 

• Evaluate feasibility: Assess which ideas are most practical to implement. 

• Plan next steps: Create action items with assignees and due dates. 

• Follow through 

• Save and share: Export your brainstorming worksheet to share with stakeholders. 

• Review later: Return to your saved template to track implementation progress. 

• Schedule follow-ups: Plan check-in meetings to discuss progress on chosen ideas. 

Summary 

The Traditional Brainstorm Template provides a simple yet powerful framework for collaborative idea generation. This idea mapping template helps teams tap into their collective creativity while maintaining enough structure to ensure productive outcomes. By bringing together diverse perspectives in a supportive environment where all ideas are welcomed, teams can generate innovative solutions to their most pressing challenges.