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12 Advanced brainstorming ChatGPT prompts and techniques

Being able to capture your ideas and thoughts quickly and effectively for both you and perhaps your team to be able to understand is a fantastic skill to have. Capturing the free exchange of ideas as they pop into your mind or discussed by your team can unlock new solutions and insights into issues or problems that may need solving. Offering an effective problem-solving strategy that can be used for almost anything, from daily tasks and projects to strategic planning.

Traditionally when you brainstorm, you’re creating an environment where everyone can share their ideas without fear of being judged. This opens the door for truly creative thinking. By having a diverse group of people, you get to hear many different viewpoints, which leads to better and more complete ideas. It’s not just about coming up with a lot of ideas, but also about coming up with really good ones that could be the perfect solution or plan for your business.

OpenAI’s large language model ChatGPT and other AI chatbot style AI services such as Google Bard, Perplexity AI, Claude and more can serve as a fantastic brainstorming assistant, offering a range of services from generating a list of ideas to guiding you through structured brainstorming techniques like TRIZ or Six Thinking Hats. By asking the chatbot questions it can help you critically evaluate ideas, extend or improve upon them, and even simulate different viewpoints to give you a broader understanding of an issue. Whether you’re brainstorming alone or as part of a team, simply prompt ChatGPT with your specific needs, such as “Help me brainstorm ways to improve customer satisfaction,” to kickstart the creative process.

Classic brainstorming techniques

Here are a few classic brainstorming techniques that might be useful to get you started if you are new to brainstorming your ideas.

Mind Mapping: This involves visually organizing thoughts around a central concept. Lines are drawn to connect related ideas, encouraging a holistic view of the problem.
Affinity Diagramming: Participants individually jot down ideas on sticky notes, which are then categorized and arranged on a wall to identify common themes.
SWOT Analysis: Examines the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats relevant to a particular problem or decision, helping to generate targeted ideas.
Round-Robin Brainstorming: Participants take turns sharing ideas in a structured format. This can mitigate louder voices dominating the session.
Nominal Group Technique: Similar to Round-Robin but includes a voting process. Participants rank ideas anonymously, and the most popular ones are then discussed further.
Reverse Brainstorming: Also known as negative brainstorming, this technique involves thinking of ways to create the problem, thereby making it easier to understand how to solve it.
6-3-5 Brainwriting: In this method, each of six participants writes down three ideas on a sheet of paper within 5 minutes. The paper is then passed to the next person who uses the existing ideas to generate new ones.
SCAMPER: An acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse. Each of these actions can be applied to an existing solution or situation to spark new ideas.

Advanced brainstorming techniques and prompts

Watch the interesting video below created by the Nerdy Novelist who looks at how brainstorming ChatGPT prompts can be used to improve your writing.

Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of improving productivity using ChatGPT

1. TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)

Developed by Genrich Altshuller, TRIZ is a systematic approach to solving engineering and technical problems. It’s based on the study of patterns in patents and other innovative solutions. TRIZ offers tools like the “40 Inventive Principles” and the “Contradiction Matrix” to solve problems by eliminating contradictions. For example, if you’re trying to make a material both strong and lightweight, TRIZ could offer solutions by pointing to similar problems solved in other fields.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Can you help me apply TRIZ principles to improve the efficiency of solar panels?”

2. Six Thinking Hats

Created by Edward de Bono, this method aims to make group discussions more focused and productive by assigning different “hats” or roles to participants:

White Hat: Focuses on objective facts and data.
Yellow Hat: Emphasizes optimism and the benefits of a concept.
Black Hat: Examines the risks and drawbacks.
Red Hat: Deals with emotions and intuition.
Green Hat: Encourages creativity and alternative solutions.
Blue Hat: Manages the thinking process and summarizes conclusions. Each hat represents a different thinking style, and participants switch hats to explore the problem from various angles.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Let’s use the Six Thinking Hats method to discuss how to increase user engagement on our platform. Start with the White Hat.”

3. Disney Method

This method is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative process and divides thinking into three stages:

Dreamer: At this stage, all ideas are welcomed without any criticism. The focus is on generating as many ideas as possible.
Realist: Here, ideas are vetted for practicality. What would it take to implement them?
Critic: At this point, potential issues with the ideas are considered. This stage is not about killing ideas but refining them. By clearly separating these stages, participants can freely generate ideas without immediately getting bogged down by constraints.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Could we go through the Disney Method to generate ideas for a sustainable urban transport system? Start with the Dreamer phase.”

4. Lotus Blossom Technique

This technique begins with a central idea or problem, which is placed in the center of a diagram. Around this central idea, eight related themes or components are noted. Each of these then becomes the center of its “lotus blossom,” around which another layer of related ideas or themes is added. This fractal-like exploration helps to dive deep into every aspect of the problem, exposing underlying issues and hidden opportunities.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Can you assist me in using the Lotus Blossom Technique to brainstorm ways to reduce plastic waste?”

5. S.C.A.M.P.E.R. Lateral Thinking

This is an extension of the basic SCAMPER method, incorporating lateral thinking techniques. While SCAMPER focuses on modifications to existing ideas (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse), the lateral thinking extension encourages breaking out of established patterns. For instance, it might involve flipping an idea on its head or combining it with an unrelated concept to spark innovation.

These advanced techniques are valuable because they offer structured frameworks for thinking, which can be particularly useful when tackling complex or multi-faceted problems. They often require a facilitator experienced in the method to guide the process effectively.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Let’s employ S.C.A.M.P.E.R. Lateral Thinking to innovate new features for a smartphone. Begin with the Substitute aspect.”

6. Charrette Procedure

Originally used in architecture and urban planning, a charrette is an intensive workshop that brings together stakeholders, experts, and community members to collaboratively design solutions to complex problems within a fixed time frame. This method fosters immediate feedback, iteration, and consensus-building. Charrettes often have multiple phases and can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the problem.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “How would a charrette procedure look like if we were to design a community park? Let’s start brainstorming the first phase.”

7. Attribute Listing

This technique involves dissecting the problem or object of interest into its fundamental attributes or features. For example, if the challenge is to design a more efficient electric car, the attributes could include battery life, aerodynamics, weight, and so on. Once the attributes are listed, each is brainstormed separately for possible improvements or innovations. The most promising ideas from each attribute can later be combined or synthesized into comprehensive solutions.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Help me apply Attribute Listing to brainstorm improvements for electric vehicle charging stations.”

8. Morphological Analysis

Created by Fritz Zwicky, this method is particularly useful for complex, multi-variable problems. A matrix is created with each variable (or attribute) of the problem represented along the axes. Then, for each variable, all possible values or states it could have are listed. By systematically exploring combinations of these variables, you can identify novel solutions that might not be apparent through traditional brainstorming. This method is often facilitated by software to handle the large number of possible combinations.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Can we do a Morphological Analysis for developing a more efficient water purification system?”

9. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)

Though primarily a root-cause analysis tool, the Fishbone Diagram can be adapted for brainstorming as well. It starts with the problem statement written at the “head” of the fish, and the “bones” are used to categorize potential causes or components of the problem. Team members then brainstorm under each category, facilitating a structured, in-depth discussion. This is particularly useful for identifying underlying issues that might not be immediately obvious.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Let’s create a Fishbone Diagram to identify the root causes of employee turnover in our organization.”

10. Synectics

Developed by George M. Prince and William J.J. Gordon, Synectics aims to promote creative thinking by drawing analogies and relationships between seemingly unrelated fields or concepts. The process often involves defining the problem, exploring diverse analogies (personal, direct, symbolic, etc.), and using those analogies to generate new ideas or solutions. For example, one might use biological systems as an analogy for improving organizational efficiency. By comparing the circulatory system to a supply chain, innovative solutions might emerge.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “I’d like to use Synectics to generate innovative solutions for air pollution. Can you help me draw some analogies?”

11. Blue Ocean Strategy

This strategy focuses on generating untapped market spaces or “Blue Oceans,” rather than competing in “Red Oceans,” where markets are saturated and competitive. The key tool here is the “Strategy Canvas,” which visually plots the factors that an industry competes on and invests in. By shifting the focus from existing competitors to alternatives and from customers to non-customers, teams can identify new value propositions and market spaces.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “How can we apply Blue Ocean Strategy to identify new market spaces in the online education sector?”

12. Future Backwards

In this technique, participants first envision a future state where the problem has either been solved successfully or has escalated into a worst-case scenario. Starting from this endpoint, they work backward to identify the series of events and decisions that led to that future. This technique helps to break out of current mental models and assumptions by forcing a long-term view, enabling more innovative approaches to emerge.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Let’s use the Future Backwards technique to envision how renewable energy could completely replace fossil fuels. Start with the ideal future.”

13. Critical Assumptions Testing

This method involves identifying the fundamental assumptions that underlie the current understanding of the problem or business model. Once these assumptions are laid out, each is critically tested to see if it holds true or if it can be overturned. This technique often uncovers new angles to approach the problem and can lead to disruptive innovations.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Can we use Critical Assumptions Testing to challenge the existing assumptions in the fast-food industry?”

14. Four-Step Innovation Process

This process is more of a framework that can incorporate various brainstorming techniques at each stage. The four steps are:

Identify the Correct Problem: Use methods like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to ensure you’re solving the right problem.
Idea Generation: This is where classic or advanced brainstorming techniques can be employed.
Develop a Prototype: Take the most promising ideas and develop low-fidelity prototypes.
Implement the Solution: Finally, the most viable solutions are developed and implemented. This structured approach ensures that ideas are not only generated but also evaluated and executed, making it a comprehensive innovation process.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “Let’s go through a Four-Step Innovation Process to develop a new approach for waste management. Start with identifying the correct problem.”

15. Cross-Functional Brainstorming

This approach assembles a diverse group of people from various departments or specialties to tackle a problem. For example, marketing professionals, engineers, and customer service representatives might all be included in brainstorming a new product feature. The mix of different perspectives and expertise often yields more rounded and innovative solutions. This technique can be combined with other methods to enrich the brainstorming process further.

Example ChatGPT prompt : “How would you facilitate Cross-Functional Brainstorming for enhancing our customer support experience? Include perspectives from marketing, engineering, and customer service.”

Whatever brainstorming technique you choose, ChatGPT can provide the perfect assistant to help you explore new ideas and more. Its capabilities extend from generating a quick list of ideas to offering structured guidance through complex brainstorming methods. Whether you’re looking to critically evaluate options, flesh out existing concepts, or introduce new perspectives into the conversation, ChatGPT serves as a convenient and effective tool to elevate your brainstorming sessions. This makes it an invaluable resource for both individuals and teams aiming to foster creativity and find innovative solutions.

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A thorough project management training course, the PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) course provides professionals with the knowledge and abilities to successfully manage projects in controlled environments. AXELOS now oversees the management of the PRINCE2 methodology, which was created by the UK government and offers a structured and scalable approach to project management. This article examines the core ideas and frameworks given in the PRINCE2 course, emphasizing the importance of these ideas for improving project management procedures and producing effective results.

Key Concepts in a PRINCE2 Course

The PRINCE2 course training begins by presenting participants with the seven guiding principles that form the foundation of the methodology. As the cornerstone of PRINCE2, these tenets direct project managers in their decision-making throughout the course of a project. The guidelines include ongoing business rationale, which guarantees that projects stay aligned with the goals of the firm and add value. Learning from experience pushes project managers to use lessons learned from previous initiatives to enhance current projects. The following key concepts are typically covered in a PRINCE2 Certificate training course.

Project management courses provide valuable insights into effectively planning and managing projects. They teach essential methods like Agile and Waterfall, covering skills such as scope management and team leadership. These courses, available both in-person and online, offer certifications like PMP, enhancing career opportunities. They equip individuals across industries to meet deadlines, allocate resources, and ensure quality project delivery.

1. PRINCE2: Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of project team members are clearly defined, encouraging accountability and effective communication. The project management techniques of manage by stages and manage by exception support a stage-by-stage methodology that enables controlled progress and prompt correction of errors. The necessity of identifying and delivering project deliverables is emphasized by the focus on products, and each project’s specific characteristics can be accommodated by customizing PRINCE2 to the project context.

2. PRINCE2 themes:

The seven topics that must be consistently addressed during the project lifecycle are covered in depth in the PRINCE2 course. These themes serve as a thorough foundation to guarantee that crucial project management components are properly managed. The business case, which supports the project’s viability and advantages, is one of the themes. Clarifying roles and duties is a priority for the organisation to provide efficient project governance. Project deliverables must adhere to the necessary standards, and quality assures this. Blueprints include the creation of thorough plans for every phase of a project. Project risks must be identified, evaluated, and managed as part of risk management. Change control makes certain that modifications are appropriately considered and accepted. Finally, progress monitoring keeps track of how projects are performing in comparison to planned, enabling wise decision-making.

3. PRINCE2 processes:

The seven processes that outline the project management process in steps are covered in the PRINCE2 course. These procedures offer a planned and managed framework for carrying out projects. Creating the project initiation papers and obtaining the required approvals are necessary before a project can begin. Creating a thorough project strategy and securing project resources are the main priorities when starting a project. By obtaining the requisite project board approvals, project management guarantees that a project is viable and in line with business goals. Managing project work packages, monitoring development, and resolving problems and hazards are all part of controlling a stage. Coordinating the production and delivery of project goods is the focus of managing product delivery. Managing a stage boundary entails assessing the status of the project and securing approval for the subsequent stage. An official project termination process and lessons learned for future improvement are involved.

4. PRINCE2 customization:

The PRINCE2 training emphasises the value of customising the approach to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the project. Although PRINCE2 offers a strong and uniform structure, it is not a one-size-fits-all method. Project managers are encouraged to modify PRINCE2 to meet the scope, organisation, and size of the project. With this flexibility, project managers may balance adhering to the PRINCE2 principles with adjusting to the particulars of each project setting.

5. PRINCE2 Advantages:

Participants learn about the many advantages of using PRINCE2 in project management throughout the course. Project control is improved as a result of the organised and controlled approach offered by PRINCE2, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget. The possibility of project failure is decreased via the identification and mitigation of potential hazards through effective risk management. Better communication and collaboration amongst project stakeholders are encouraged by the clear description of roles and duties. Furthermore, by placing a strong emphasis on the business case, initiatives are regularly assessed for their value delivery and alignment with organisational goals. Project managers may efficiently manage changes by avoiding interruptions to the project scope and objectives thanks to PRINCE2’s emphasis on change control. Additionally, progress monitoring provides early deviation detection, allowing for fast corrective action.

6. Practitioner Level Examination:

At the end of the PRINCE2 course, participants have the option to sit for the Practitioner level exam. This test evaluates candidates’ practical application of PRINCE2 concepts, demonstrating their proficiency in using the methodology to manage projects successfully. The competence to lead projects utilising the best practises of PRINCE2 is further validated for candidates by passing the Practitioner test.

7. Concepts in Practice:

The PRINCE2 training extends beyond theoretical understanding by offering opportunities for actual application. Participants gain knowledge of how to apply PRINCE2 concepts, themes, and procedures in various project environments through case studies, simulations, and real-world scenarios. Their capacity to handle projects successfully in practical settings is improved by this practical experience.

8. Strong Focus on Project Governance:

A key component of PRINCE2 is project governance, which makes sure that projects are routinely assessed, managed, and in line with strategic goals. The programme gives project managers the skills they need to create solid governance frameworks, include stakeholders, and enable open decision-making throughout the length of a project.

9. Standardization of Project Management Practices:

Organizations can uniformly apply project management techniques to all of their projects by following the PRINCE2 framework. This standardisation boosts productivity, fosters better teamwork, and streamlines project delivery, all of which contribute to continuous project success.

Enhancing communication and reporting is a key component of project management, which is something the PRINCE2 training emphasises. Participants gain knowledge on how to write succinct project reports, conduct fruitful project meetings, and keep lines of communication open with stakeholders. Between project teams and stakeholders, greater communication creates stronger collaboration and alignment.

10. Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned:

Through the use of lessons learned, PRINCE2 promotes a culture of continuous improvement. Project managers will learn how to carry out in-depth project evaluations, record lessons gained, and incorporate improvements in subsequent projects in this course. With time, project success rates rise as a result of this iterative approach’s guarantee that projects profit from prior learning.

11. Worldwide Recognition and Career Opportunities:

PRINCE2 is respected and valued throughout many industries on a global scale. Project managers’ credentials are strengthened by completing the PRINCE2 course and earning certification, which can lead to new employment options and increase employability globally.

12. Alignment with Existing Project Management Standards:

Because PRINCE2 is made to complement other project management frameworks and standards, it can be used to businesses who currently employ Agile or Six Sigma. The training teaches project managers how to combine PRINCE2 with current methods to produce a productive and efficient project management strategy.

The PRINCE2 course places a strong emphasis on the value of teamwork and motivation in project management. The success of a project is largely dependent on the collaborative and high-performing team culture that project managers understand how to build among their team members.

13. Resource and Risk Management:

Project managers are given the tools they need by PRINCE2 to manage resources and risks efficiently. In order to assure project success, participants learn how to identify and manage potential risks, maximise resource usage, and proactively address project difficulties.

Summary

The PRINCE2 course is a thorough training programme that introduces project managers to the fundamental ideas and structures required for effective project management. Professionals may better manage projects with a focus on providing value, managing risks, and preserving control throughout the project lifecycle by understanding the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes. Project managers can use the technique in a variety of project environments while taking into account the unique requirements of each project according to the course’s emphasis on adapting PRINCE2. Participants can demonstrate their competence and competency in utilising PRINCE2 to flourish in their project management responsibilities by taking the Practitioner level test. In the end, the PRINCE2 training helps to improve project management procedures, guarantee project success, and produce positive results for businesses and stakeholders.