Free brainstorming template

A brainstorming template guides idea generation and helps teams organize their creative thinking process. These templates provide a consistent format for capturing, categorizing, and evaluating concepts, whether you’re working solo or collaborating with a group. 

A brainstorming template helps you channel creative energy productively. Instead of letting discussions wander or ideas get lost in the shuffle, a template keeps everyone on the same page while encouraging bold thinking. It acts as both a safety net for capturing every spark of inspiration and a lens for focusing that energy on solving specific challenges. 

Types of brainstorming templates

Different brainstorming techniques serve different purposes, and choosing the right template is crucial. A few types of brainstorming templates include:

• Mind maps: These visual templates help you explore connections between ideas by branching out from a central concept. They're perfect for mapping complex problems or exploring how different solutions might interconnect.

• SWOT analysis templates: When you need to understand your company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, this method helps teams systematically consider all angles. It's beneficial for strategic planning and decision-making.

• Freeform idea boards: Sometimes, the best approach is the simplest one. These open templates give teams complete freedom to capture ideas without predetermined categories, making them ideal for blue-sky thinking sessions.

Brainstorming map templates are particularly effective when you want to visualize the relationships between different concepts and see patterns emerge naturally. Each template type serves a unique purpose, so picking the right one depends on your specific goals and the nature of the problem you're solving.

What is an example of brainstorming?

Imagine a software team struggling with user onboarding. New customers keep dropping off during their first week. The team gathers for a brainstorming session to tackle this challenge head-on.

They begin by defining the problem and setting goals: "How can we help new users find value in our product within their first three days?" With this focus in mind, they dive into generating ideas with the brainstorming session template. Team members throw out everything from gamified tutorials, personalized welcome messages, one-on-one onboarding calls, and simplified dashboard designs. No idea is too wild or too simple at this stage.

Next, they organize these ideas into themes like "Education," "Personal Touch," and "Product Simplification." The team builds on each other's suggestions. For example, the gamified tutorial idea evolves into a progress-tracking system, while the personal touch concept grows into a series of targeted email tips. By the end of the session, they've identified three high-impact experiments to test, complete with clear owners and timelines. What started as a frustrating problem becomes a roadmap for meaningful improvements.