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Brainstorming techniques for new product development

By Bobette Kyle When developing new products and strategies, coming up with unique ideas is often a struggle. It is one of the reasons why, in any industry, there is so much repetition. One way to generate new ideas and get the creative juices flowing is by completing brainstorming exercises using props. There are several ways to incorporate brainstorming into a new product development session. Two of my favorite techniques are utilizing goodie bags and skimming business publications.

Brainstorming with "goodie bags"

There's nothing more boring than a sterile conference room. Yet, this is where many new product development sessions take place. To liven the atmosphere, you need a springboard -- stimuli to get the ideas flowing. One technique for providing stimuli is to gather miscellaneous items into "goodie bags" and have brainstorming groups sort through them, writing down ideas as they occur. As seasonal Marketing Manager for Nestlé's Sunmark Division several years ago, I used this technique to hold a very productive new product development brainstorming session. In preparation, we filled colorful gift bags with small items that would stimulate new product ideas because of their texture, taste, appearance, ingredients, sound, or smell. In the meeting, we divided the team into sub-groups of three to four people and gave each a bag. After digging through the bags, discussing, and writing down ideas, each group gave a small presentation. We came out of the meeting with many more great ideas than we could implement that year and it was fun for everyone involved.

Brainstorming with business publications and trade journals

If you do not have a group to work with, try using business newspapers and prominent trade journal as springboards for generating ideas. These can be effective...