Brainstorming

Brainstorming, also known as "prewriting," is the process of generating ideas and seeking out connections among them.

Of the many kinds of brainstorming, three tend to be particularly useful: freewriting, clustering, and outlining.

For help understanding the assignment you're brainstorming about, sign up for the next "Understanding Paper Types" and "Interpreting Prompts" workshops, watch the video version, and/or see our "Types of Papers" page. For a full, NPS-specific overview of brainstorming, attend the next session of "Think before You Write" or watch our "Beyond Brainstorming" video. Workshops are offered in the first four weeks of each quarter, and you can sign up during workshop season through WCOnline.

To explore which brainstorming technique might be best for you in the context of a given project, make a coaching appointment today!

For more on brainstorming in general as well as types and techniques, see the following links.

Brainstorming Links

• Handout (printable, 2 pages): "Understanding Assignments," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
• Handout (printable, 3 pages): "Brainstorming," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
• Video (2:50): "Brainstorming," Texas A&M University Writing Center
• Video (3:35): "Six Creative Ways to Brainstorm Ideas," Vertical Measures 
• Video (4:57): "Four Simple Ways to Have a Great Idea," TEDTalk by Richard St. John
• Video (21:15): "The Art of Innovation," TEDTalk by Guy Kawasaki
• GWC workshop video (39:40): "Beyond Brainstorming"
• GWC workshop video (59:01): "Understanding Prompts and Paper Types"
• Website: Reserve the NPS DKL Design Space