Tool 167: Reverse Brainstorming

AKA

Teardown Method

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

Reverse brainstorming can be used as a final evaluation technique through the critical questioning of the value or applicability of previously team-generated ideas. In addition, this process attempts to uncover potential problems or other serious consequences when an idea or proposed solution is implemented.

Typical application

• To minimize the risk prior to the implementation of an idea or proposed solution.

• To reverse brainstorm ideas for weaknesses or serious consequences.

• To criticize ideas for the purpose of reducing many to a few overall "best" ideas.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions 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
	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
3	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Data Collection Strategy

• Surveying

• Interview Technique

• Observation

• Checklist

after

• Action and Effect Diagram (AED)

• Sticking Dots

• Multivoting

• Weighted Voting

• Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

Notes and key points

• Team size should be limited to the 8–12 participants who previously generated the list of ideas.

• Reverse brainstorming may not be appropriate to use for more than 10 ideas.

• Since this tool promotes criticisms or the severe questioning of previously generated ideas, care must be taken not to "tear down" every good idea!

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team displays a final list of previously brainstormed ideas that passed preliminary evaluation—a reduced list at this point. See example Increase Operator Job Satisfaction.

• STEP 2 One by one, all ideas are questioned or criticized for possible shortcomings, problems, weaknesses, or serious consequences if implemented.

• STEP 3 After all ideas have been evaluated and the potential solutions to problem areas of each idea considered and analyzed, the team selects one (or more) "best" idea that would hold a minimum amount of risk when implemented.

Example of tool application