Published on : 2021-01-06
Subject: 4. All the tools utilized in Brainstorming a new product Strategy

Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique used to generate ideas and explore potential solutions. While traditional brainstorming sessions often involve in-person group discussions, there are various new tools and technologies available that enhance the brainstorming process. Here are some of the new tools used in brainstorming a new product strategy:

1. Online Collaboration Platforms: Online collaboration platforms, such as Miro, Trello, or PM Guide Jamboard, enable virtual brainstorming sessions. These tools provide a shared digital canvas where team members can contribute ideas simultaneously, post sticky notes, add visuals, and collaborate in real-time. Online collaboration platforms facilitate remote brainstorming, allowing teams to work together regardless of their physical location.

2. Idea Management Software: Idea management software, like IdeaScale or Spigit, provides a structured platform for brainstorming and idea collection. These tools allow team members to submit and evaluate ideas, comment on each other's suggestions, and vote for the most promising concepts. Idea management software helps streamline the brainstorming process, ensuring all ideas are captured and evaluated efficiently.

3. Mind Mapping Tools: Mind mapping tools, such as MindMeister or XMind, enable visual brainstorming by creating interactive diagrams that represent ideas and their connections. These tools allow users to capture and organize ideas in a hierarchical or non-linear structure, helping to stimulate creativity and identify relationships between different concepts.

4. Virtual Whiteboards: Virtual whiteboard tools, like Mural or Conceptboard, mimic the experience of a physical whiteboard in a digital format. These tools allow teams to sketch, write, and draw freely, making it ideal for visual brainstorming. Virtual whiteboards offer features such as sticky notes, drawing tools, and collaboration functionalities to facilitate idea generation and organization.

5. Idea Crowdsourcing Platforms: Idea crowdsourcing platforms, such as InnoCentive or IdeaConnection, tap into external expertise by inviting a broader community of individuals to contribute ideas and solutions. These platforms provide a platform for open innovation, where businesses can leverage the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives of external participants to generate novel ideas and insights.

6. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies offer immersive environments that enhance the brainstorming experience. These technologies enable participants to visualize and interact with virtual or augmented objects, facilitating ideation and concept development. VR and AR can simulate realistic product scenarios or create virtual prototypes, allowing teams to explore and evaluate ideas in a more tangible and immersive manner.

7. Digital Idea Boards: Digital idea boards, such as Pinterest or Evernote, allow users to collect and organize inspiration and ideas from various online sources. These tools enable individuals or teams to create visual boards with images, articles, discussionss, and other digital content that sparks creativity and serves as a reference for brainstorming sessions. Digital idea boards provide a centralized space for gathering inspiration and fostering idea generation.

8. Chat and Collaboration Apps: Chat and collaboration apps, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, offer real-time communication and collaboration features that support brainstorming discussions. These tools provide channels or dedicated spaces for teams to exchange ideas, share files, and engage in discussions. Chat apps facilitate quick idea sharing, promote collaboration, and allow for spontaneous brainstorming sessions.

When employing these new tools for brainstorming a new product strategy, it is important to choose the ones that best align with the team's preferences, needs, and the nature of the project. The selected tools should enhance creativity, collaboration, and idea generation, ultimately contributing to the development of a successful new product strategy.