Tool 21: Brainwriting Pool

AKA

Brainwriting, Gallery Method

Classification

Idea Generating (IG)

Tool description

Developed by the Battlle Institute of Frankfurt, Germany, the brainwriting pool is an idea-generating tool that uses a nonverbal approach to record ideas from each team participant. Similar to brainstorming, participants think of ideas to solve a problem or improve a process. Cards or sheets of paper are used to record the ideas; they then are pooled in order to be exchanged and examined by others. This results in additional related or "build-on" ideas.

Typical application

• To collect more focused, developed ideas.

• To allow participants to build on each other's ideas.

• To allow idea generation regarding a controversial topic and maintain the contributor's anonymity.

• To avoid interpersonal conflict or intimidation by dominant participants.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solution or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
1	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
3	Project management
	Manufacturing
4	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Checklist

• 6-3-5 Method

• Sticking Dots

• Interview Technique

• Buzz Group

after

• Consensus decision

• Criteria filtering

• Weighted Voting

• Multivoting

• Numerical Prioritization

Notes and key points

• A variation is the gallery method. Several flip chart sheets are posted around the room and participants circulate and record their ideas. As participants move around the room and read the ideas of others, they often get other, related ideas that they add to the list.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 Six to eight team participants are seated around a table.

• STEP 2 A topic or problem is displayed on a flip chart. See example Operator Work Scheduling.

• STEP 3 Each team participant silently writes four ideas or responses on a card or sheet of paper.

• STEP 4 Each participant places his or her sheet in the center of the table (the pool), exchanging it for another sheet placed there by another participant.

• STEP 5 Ideas on the sheet are examined, other related ideas are added, or listed ideas are used to build on or think of new ideas. The sheet is then returned to the pool and exchanged for another sheet.

• STEP 6 This process continues for approximately 30 minutes. At the end of this time, all ideas are posted on flip charts for later evaluation.

Example of tool application

Operator Work Scheduling

Sheet#1 Ideas:

• Schedule by seniority

• Verify voluntary requests

• Etc.

Sheet #2 Ideas:

• Assign on a rotational basis

• Open schedule

• Etc.

Sheet #(n) Ideas:

• Operators input their preference

• Allow trade-offs

Final List of Ideas	Date: xx/xx/xx
Operators reach consensus on scheduling method to be used Start sheduling with voluntary requests first Strictly follow established scheduling procedures Etc.