Convergent vs Divergent Thinking
First expand possibilities (diverge), then narrow to best options (converge).
Explanation
Effective brainstorming requires both divergent thinking (generating many possibilities) and convergent thinking (evaluating and selecting the best ones). Most teams confuse these phases, trying to evaluate while generating ideas, which kills creativity. The key is to clearly separate these modes and give each phase dedicated time and energy.
Real-World Example
App feature brainstorming: Divergent phase: Generate 200+ feature ideas without judgment—social features, AI features, customization, integrations, gamification. Convergent phase: Group similar ideas, evaluate against user needs and technical constraints, prioritize top 10, select 3 for development. Mixing phases kills both creativity and decision-making.
How to Apply
Always diverge first, converge second. Set clear rules for each phase. Divergent: No criticism, wild ideas welcome, quantity over quality, build on others' ideas. Convergent: Apply criteria, make tough choices, be realistic about constraints. Use different tools: brainstorming for diverging, voting/ranking for converging. Protect divergent time fiercely.