We’ve all been there. You're trying to come up with an essay angle, startup idea, group project concept — and suddenly, your brain hits a wall. No ideas. Just static.

Brainstorming isn’t just about being “creative.” It’s a skill. And like any skill, there are techniques to make it easier.

Whether you’re a visual thinker, list-maker, overthinker, or chaotic energy type — here are 17 brainstorming methods that help you start thinking better, not just harder.

1. Mind Mapping

Draw a central idea and branch out related concepts. It’s a visual way to explore topics, find connections, and avoid linear thinking. Great for:

• Essay planning

• Thesis topics

• Business model ideas

Tools to try: XMind, MindMeister, Duetoday (turns transcribed notes into maps)

2. Free Writing (a.k.a. Brain Dump)

Set a timer (5–10 min) and just write. Don’t stop. Don’t edit. Don’t even think too hard. This clears mental clutter and reveals hidden ideas.

Perfect for:

• Overthinkers

• People stuck at “where do I start?”

• Initial drafts of ideas

3. SCAMPER Technique

SCAMPER = Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse.
Used to innovate by tweaking an existing idea.

Example: Got a boring presentation idea? Try “Combine” (two unrelated ideas) or “Modify” (change the medium).

4. Starbursting

Start with a central idea, but instead of solutions, you generate questions.
It’s about expanding your perspective:

• Who needs this?

• What happens next?

• What if it fails?

Especially good for problem-solving or research papers.

5. Reverse Brainstorming

Instead of asking, “How do I solve this?” ask, “How could I cause the problem?”

Example: Instead of “How to improve group projects,” try “How to ruin a group project?” It reveals hidden friction points — then you solve them.

6. Bullet Journaling for Ideas

Use rapid-fire bullet points to capture disconnected ideas. Later, sort them into themes. This is a great method if you think in scattered pieces.

Use analog or digital (Notion, Apple Notes, or Duetoday AI’s note blocks).

7. Word Association

Start with a word. Write the next word that comes to mind. Keep going.
Eventually, you’ll stumble onto a surprising idea or connection.

Try it when you're stuck in overly academic thinking and want to loosen up.

8. The “What If?” Game

Ask wild hypothetical questions:

• What if this was taught by a celebrity?

• What if we had to do this with no budget?

• What if this topic was reversed?

This breaks you out of boring assumptions.

9. Brainwriting

In a group? Instead of talking, have everyone silently write 3 ideas. Then pass them around and build on each other's thoughts.

Avoids groupthink. Helps introverts contribute.

10. Forced Connections

Take two random things (say: “laundry” and “climate change”). Now force a connection.
How could one explain, affect, or reflect the other?

Weird? Yes. But it’s how some of the best TED Talks start.