Brainstorming is a semi-structured, team-based method of rapid idea generation. It's a valuable tool for organizations because it helps:

• Generate ideas quickly
• Expand the portfolio of alternatives
• Get people unstuck
• Inject insights from a broader group
• Build enthusiasm

Across the thousands of brainstorms IDEO has run — both with internal teams and with clients — we follow seven important rules:

1. Defer judgement
2. Encourage wild ideas
3. Build on the ideas of others
4. Stay focused on the topic
5. One conversation at a time
6. Be visual
7. Go for quantity

Brainstorming is just one technique you can use to help your organization generate more innovative ideas. Check out the From Ideas to Action course for more lessons on ideation, prototyping and iteration — together they'll help you bring ideas to life so that others can experience your vision of the future.