A useful brainstorming example shows the question, the ideas it produces and what someone can do with them. The three examples below cover a business concept, an essay and a local marketing campaign. Each keeps idea generation separate from choosing what to develop.
Part 1. What is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a way to generate possible responses to a shared question. People can contribute individually before discussing ideas together. Record the suggestions first, then compare them against the problem; a busy session does not by itself establish that an idea will work.
Part 2. How to Brainstorm (Brainstorming Techniques)
There are a few things to keep in mind when participating in a brainstorming session.
- Firstly, it is important to relax and let ideas flow. This is not the time to be critical or judgmental.
- Secondly, It is important to suspend disbelief and think outside the box. This means considering all ideas, no matter how farfetched they may seem.
- Thirdly, be open to new ideas and perspectives. This means listening to others and considering their suggestions.
- Lastly, Brainstorming should be a time to explore new ideas and be creative, so, enjoy it and have fun!
Now that you know the basics of how to participate in a brainstorming session, let’s take a look at some brainstorming techniques that can help you generate ideas.
#1 Brainstorm with a mind map
One technique is to start with a mind map. This is a visual way of brainstorming that can help you see the relationships between ideas. To create a mind map, start by writing a central topic in the middle of a piece of paper. Then, draw branches off of this central topic and write down related ideas. For example, if you are brainstorming ideas for a new business, you might start with the central topic of “business ideas.” Then, you might draw branches for “online businesses,” “brick-and-mortar businesses,” and “service businesses.” This can help you generate more specific ideas.
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#2 Brainstorm with fishbone diagram
Another technique is to use the “fishbone” method. This is a way of brainstorming that can help you identify the root cause of a problem. To use this method, start by writing down the problem or challenge that you are trying to solve.
Part 3. 3 Brainstorming Examples
#1 Brainstorming example for business
The set-up: Imagine a small team planning a website for people starting a balcony garden. The team has not yet chosen which question the site should answer first. Put “Help a beginner choose a first growing setup” in the center of the board.
The problem: What would make the site useful before a visitor chooses equipment? Ask who the reader is, what they need to compare, where they will use it, and why existing advice leaves them uncertain. Keep these as questions; a team’s guess about its audience is not customer research.
The brainstorm: Write one possible response per note: a sunlight checklist, a comparison of small containers, a watering reminder sheet, or a guide to plants for a shaded balcony. Group them by the decision they support, rather than putting every idea under “content.”
A usable result: Choose the sunlight checklist as one candidate because it helps readers narrow their options. Record the information still needed—such as which situations readers find confusing—and sketch the checklist before commissioning a whole website. The other ideas remain visible for later discussion. In Boardmix, keep the initial question, idea groups and selected sketch on the same board so the choice retains its context.
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#2 Brainstorming example for essay
The set-up: An essay assignment asks you to explore modern art, but that subject is too broad for one paper. Use the topic map below to list possible movements and artists, then narrow the question rather than treating every branch as an essay section.
The problem: Which comparison can you explain using specific works and reliable sources? Possible questions include how two paintings direct the viewer’s attention, how their use of color differs, or how the artists represent the same kind of subject.
The brainstorm: Select two works you can actually examine. Make branches for composition, color, subject and context; add observations about each work and a separate note for information that needs a source. “The background contains repeated diagonal lines” is an observation. An explanation of the artist’s intention needs supporting evidence.
A usable result: Turn the strongest comparison into a provisional thesis and an outline: introduce the works, compare two visual choices, and explain why the difference matters. If the evidence does not support the thesis, adjust it. The map helps select and organize a question; it does not replace research.
#3 Brainstorming example for marketing
The set-up: A neighborhood repair shop wants nearby residents to book bicycle safety checks before a community ride. This is a sample campaign brief, not a reported customer result. The team uses the marketing map below to separate content, communication, partnerships and organization.
The problem: How can residents understand the offer and find a suitable appointment? “Post more often” is too vague. The ideas need to explain the service, reach local riders and lead to a clear booking step.
The brainstorm: Under content, add a short explanation of what the check covers. Under partnerships, suggest a notice from the ride organizer. Under communication, propose a reminder to people who have asked about the event. Under organization, record available appointments and who will answer questions. These are different contributions to the campaign, not four names for the same social post.
A usable result: Compare the options with the brief: is the audience relevant, can the shop deliver the offer, and is the booking route clear? Select an initial combination and keep unchosen ideas on the board. Before scheduling it, ask someone unfamiliar with the offer to explain what they would receive and how they would book.
Keep the selected campaign and the unchosen alternatives together. If a practical constraint changes, the team can revisit the options without repeating the whole session.
Conclusion
Some effective brainstorming examples help you generate ideas, promote innovation, solve problems and also brainstorm more specific subtopics. Once you have brainstormed a variety of subtopics, you can then begin to narrow down your focus and develop a thesis statement. Additionally, by writing down your ideas, you can more easily see which ones are the most viable and which ones need further development. Brainstorming can be a helpful strategy for anyone who needs a little extra inspiration.
