WEB TOOL FOR BRAINSTORMING - SOFTWARE TOOL FOR GENERATING IDEAS
Dejan Ristevski1(dejan.ristevski@gmail.com), Vane Spasov1(vane.spasov@gmail.com) Milan
Petkovski2(milan.petkovski@yahoo.com), Dimitar Trajanov2(mite@feit.ukim.edu.mk)
1
Lazarov Consulting Engineering, Skopje, Republic Of Macedonia,
2
Faculty for Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, Skopje, Republic Of Macedonia
Abstract – The Web Tool for Brainstorming is software
tool for generating creative ideas. About creativity,
brainstorming, mind tools and software for electronic
brainstorming is described in this paper. The software is
designed for helping the people that are responsible in
decision making areas like project management, company
management, education, art etc. This tool helps in
decision making by simply writing the key words for the
problem. Then the tool generates ideas in correlation with
this words by using the power of internet, Google Product
(Froogle) and Google Sets. Usage of the software in the
Faculty Of Electrical Engineering and Information
Technologies, Computer Science Department, Skopje.
This Web Tool For Brainstorming can be used in wide
spectra of areas for personal creativity improvement,
company usage and for fun.
1. INTRODUCTION
Creativity is a mental and social process involving the
generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations
of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts
[1]. An alternative conception of creativeness is that it is
simply the act of making something new.
From a scientific point of view, the products of
creative thought, sometimes referred to as divergent
thought, are usually considered to have both originality
and appropriateness.
Although intuitively a simple phenomenon, it is in fact
quite complex. It has been studied from the perspectives
of behavioral psychology, social psychology,
psychometrics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence,
philosophy, history, economics, design research, business,
and management, among others. The studies have covered
everyday creativity, exceptional creativity and even
artificial creativity. Unlike many phenomena in science,
there is no single, authoritative perspective or definition
of creativity. And unlike many phenomena in psychology,
there is no standardized measurement technique.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the ambiguity and
multi-dimensional nature of creativity, entire industries
have been spawned from the pursuit of creative ideas and
the development of creativity techniques.
Because scientific discoveries and engineering
innovation produce broad benefits, improved tools that
advance individual, group, and social creativity are
becoming very important in our days [18].
There are several different tools for creativity [2] that
can help us to become intensely creative. They will help
us both solve problems and spot opportunities that might
otherwise miss. Following techniques are known as
creativity tools:
1
Reversal and SCAMPER – which is used for
improving a product or service
Attribute Listing, Morphological Analysis and
Matrix Analysis – used for creating new
products, services and strategies
Brainstorming – for generating many radical
ideas
Random Input – for making creative leaps
Concept Fan – used for widening the search for
solutions
Reframing Matrix - Looking at problems from
different perspectives and many others.
One of the mentioned creativity tools that are subject
of our interest are Brainstorming and Random Input
techniques. They are an excellent way of developing
many creative solutions to a problem. Brainstorming
works by focusing on a problem, and then coming up with
very many radical solutions to it. Ideas should be as broad
and odd as possible, and should be developed as fast as
can. Random Input [2] is a lateral thinking tool which is
very useful when you need fresh ideas or new
perspectives during problem solving.
There are two Google services that are very useful to
be utilized in our work. First one is Google Products [17]
which generates random words, noun of real existing
object, and the idea here is that noun to be used as random
input which will force you to think of new ideas that you
wouldn't normally think of. The second one is Google
Sets [13] service which is a tool that fleshes out “sets,” or
lists of things of the same kind [3].
This area is very interesting for many scientists and
enthusiasts. They have spent time for developing useful
creativity support software that uses similar concepts as
those described before. For example ParaMind
Brainstorming Software [4] is one kind of creativity
support tool. This tool generates idea combinations that
are directly related to the idea that is typed on the user
interface screen. It works on subjects from different areas
such as writing, law, marketing and scientific inventions.
The user writes the sentence and selects words from the
sentence to expand generation of new text. This tool uses
database of one-thousand related word categories and new
words can be added. This tool is interesting but is limited
from perspective of poor words database. Also users of
different platforms such as Mac OSX, Linux, and
Windows need separate installation.
Brainstorm and Affinity Diagram Tool [5] is another
software tool developed by PathMaker. It is used for
brainstorming and combining ideas. This diagramming
software tool combines two important creative processes
in a split window. The brainstorm tool permits recording
of creative ideas that answer a central question. The
software is used to record the ideas which are editable, as
are the central question. Also affinity set headers are
editable, collapsible and expandable. The main issue is
that there is no way for generating new idea from some
kind of database or source. There is no way to make
random input of some word that is going to develop
brainstorming process additionally, but all ideas came
from the user that only writes down them and combines
them in similar groups.
The Solutions Genie [6] is brainstorming tool
developed by DSS Systems & Software Technologies
Ltd. It uses the Electronic/Network Brainstorming aspect
for generating ideas and can be used in organizations to
help continuous quality and process improvement.
The Brainstorming Toolbox [7] is developed from
Infinite Innovations Ltd. Brainstorming Toolbox is a
desktop application that incorporates several creativity
tools such as: random word, random picture, challenge
facts, false rules, SCAMPER. It is used for brainstorming,
creative thinking, lateral thinking, creativity and problem
solving.
Other software tools that incorporate visual techniques
for brainstorming called mind mapping allows you to
brainstorm and visualize ideas. Mind mapping helps you
organize complex ideas or processes to increase
understanding, plan more efficiently and turn ideas into
action faster. These tools are IdeaFisher [8],
ConceptDraw [9], SmartDraw [10], MatchWare[11].
2. BRAINSTORMING AND RANDOM INPUT
Brainstorming is a process designed to obtain the
maximum number of ideas relating to a specific area of
interest. Brainstorming can be an effective way to
generate lots of ideas on a specific issue and then
determine which idea – or ideas – is the best solution. At
the conclusion of the brainstorming process, ideas are
categorized and ranked for follow-on action. It's a process
of discovery where you start with a kernel of an idea and
then expand.
During brainstorming sessions there should be no
criticism of ideas. The thinker is trying to open
possibilities and break down wrong assumptions about the
limits of the problem. Judgments or analysis at this stage
will stunt idea generation. The thinker should only
evaluate ideas after a brainstorming session has finished.
There are two kinds of traditional brainstorming:
individual and group brainstorming
Individual brainstorming [2] is performed when single
person brainstorms on his own; he will tend to produce a
wider range of ideas than group brainstorming because he
has not to worry about other people’s egos or opinions,
and so can be more freely creative. However he could not
develop ideas as effectively because he doesn’t have the
experience of the group to help him. One major benefit
[12] is that you don't have to worry about other people
judging your ideas as they're created. You're free to go
wherever your brain takes you as you utilize the
brainstorming technique to generate ideas.
Group brainstorming [2] can be very effective as it
uses the experience and creativity of all members of the
group. When individual members reach their limit on an
idea, another member's creativity and experience can take
2
it to the next stage. Therefore, group brainstorming tends
to develop ideas in more depth than individual
brainstorming. Brainstorming in a group can be risky for
individuals. Strange and often very valuable suggestions
may appear stupid at first sight. Because of such, session
leader is needed to chair sessions tightly so that
uncreative people do not crush these ideas and leave
group members feeling humiliated.
To run a group brainstorming session effectively,
following steps are needed:
1. Define the problem for solving clearly, and lay out
any criteria to be met.
2. Keep the session focused on the problem.
3. Ensure that no one criticizes or evaluates ideas
during the session.
4. Encourage an enthusiastic, uncritical attitude
among members of the group. Try to get everyone
to contribute and develop ideas, including the
quietest members of the group.
5. Let people have fun brainstorming. Encourage
them to come up with as many ideas as possible,
from solidly practical ones to wildly impractical
ones.
6. Ensure that no train of thought is followed for too
long.
7. Encourage people to develop other people’s ideas,
or to use other ideas to create new ones.
8. Appoint one person to note down ideas that come
out of the session which should be studied and
evaluated after the session.
Random Input [2] is a technique for linking another
thinking pattern into the one we are using. Along with this
new pattern comes all the experience that thinker has
connected to it.
To use Random Input, a random noun from either a
dictionary or a pre-prepared word list is needed to be
selected. It often helps if the noun is something that can
be seen or touched (e.g. “helicopter”, “dog”) rather than a
concept (e.g. “fairness”). This noun is used as the starting
point for brainstorming on the problem.
If good word is chosen, then a range of new ideas and
concepts will be added to the brainstorming, while some
will be useless.
Example: Imagine that we are thinking about the
problem of reducing car pollution. So far in thinking
through the problem we have considered all the
conventional solutions of catalytic conversion and clean
fuels.
Selecting a random noun from the titles of the books
in a bookcase we might see the word “Plants”.
Brainstorming from this we could generate a number of
new ideas:
1. Plant trees on the side of roads to convert CO2 back
into oxygen.
2. Similarly, pass exhaust gases through a soup of algae
to convert CO2 back into oxygen. Perhaps this is how
an “air scrubber” in a space crafts works?
3. Put sulfur-metabolizing bacteria into an exhaust gas
processor to clean up exhaust gases. Would nitrogen
compounds fertilize these bacteria?
4. Another meaning of “Plant” is factory. Perhaps
exhaust gases could be collected in a container, and
sent to a special plant to be cleaned? Perhaps we could
off-load these gases at the same time as we fill up with
fuel?
These ideas are very raw. Some may be wrong or
impractical. One of them might be original and the basis
of some useful development.
The Random Input is often used to initiate
Brainstorming session, and because of that we have
developed software tool that combines these two
techniques.
3. GOOGLE SETS SERVICE
Google Sets [13] is a large-scale clustering algorithm
that uses many millions of data instances extracted from
web data. More specifically, it invites users to enter a few
items that all fall into a certain category. It then tries to
determine what the category is and generate a list of more
items that belong in that category.
The Google Sets page contains blank lines for
entering items and two options for getting result, “Long
Set” and “Short Set (15 items or fewer)”. “Long Set”
option is for a list that is as comprehensive as possible but
likely to include some items that are weakly related or
seemingly unrelated to the others. “Short Set” option is
for a list that is more focused and less likely to contain
outliers, though not necessarily free of them. Few
examples are following, which are better than descriptions
at communicating Google Sets’ purpose, behavior, and
peculiarities. First is a straightforward query, one whose
input is exactly what Google Sets requests: “a few items
from a set of things.”
Example 1
User Input: fork, stove, blender
Google Sets Output: fork, stove, blender, microwave,
refrigerator, and other things that are found in kitchens
Example 2
User Input: kitchens
Google Sets Output: kitchens, bathrooms, home offices,
laundry rooms, and (mostly) other spaces found in homes
As examples 1 and 2 show, Google Sets treats inputs in
only one way: as members of a set. So, when the inputs
are things that are found in kitchens, the outputs are more
things that are found in kitchens. The input “kitchens,” on
the other hand, does not lead to a list of things found in
kitchens. Rather, it causes Google Sets to generate items
that belong in the same category as kitchens, namely,
other rooms found in homes. In other words, the only way
to get items that belong in a certain category is to list a
few items in that category, not to name or describe the
category. This distinction explains why inputs reappear in
the output.
Even though Google Sets [3] is an imperfect and
idiosyncratic tool, it has impressive associative powers.
The technology behind Google Sets is also used to
improve the regular Google search engine, “to get you
3
more related and more accurate results.” Google decided
to make Google Sets available as a separate tool because
it “stood alone on its own and was kind of interesting.”
4. USED TECHNOLOGY
The Web Tool for Brainstorming (WTB) is designed
and developed as web application that uses Silverlight 2.0
[14] and therefore it looks like desktop application. The
application user interface is thankfully to the
opportunities given and represented by the Silverlight
which is Rich Internet Application standard.
The objects that are displayed within the web page are
designed with Blend Expression 2.0 [15], which is
important and necessary helping tool for designing
graphical objects for this architecture. All those graphical
objects have declarative representation with XAML
structure.
Anything that is created or implemented in XAML
can be expressed using a more traditional .NET language,
such as C# or Visual Basic.NET. However, a key aspect
of the technology is the reduced complexity needed for
tools to process XAML, because it is based on XML. As a
result, a variety of products are emerging, particularly in
the WPF - Windows Presentation Foundation space,
which create XAML-based applications. As XAML is
simply based on XML, developers and designers are able
to share and edit content freely amongst them without
requiring compilation. The XAML based coding is
strongly linked to the .NET Framework 3.5 [16]
technologies.
The XAML code produces the look and representation
of the graphic object that is used in the user interface of
the WTB, presented on Figure 1.
Figure 1 - WTB object represented by XAML
Furthermore in the application is used web service that
communicates with the graphic interface. This web
service is the heart of the application because it is
responsible for generating ideas.
5. WEB TOOL FOR BRAINSTORMING
The process for creating ideas starts with the root
node which is actually presented in the user interface
drawing board when the tool is started. The main board is
consisted of main node which represents problem
definition node. This node has menu around itself and
contains buttons for performing actions. Also on the right
side of the board there is navigation menu for moving the
node network to all directions, zoom in/out and
positioning to the starting point. The main WTB board is
presented on Figure 2.

Figure 2 - WTB Board
The menu buttons allow adding new idea manually,
generating ideas automatically, deleting node, and
focusing the node. The main node and the idea node are
presented on Figure 3 where can be seen the surrounding
menu for these separate nodes.
Figure 3 - Starting and idea nodes
The WTB has an interface for updating the node
properties. The node has Name, Type, Content and Asset
value properties. The name field is for writing word or
word combination. This name is starting point of
brainstorming process. The type is read only and gives
information if the node is root problem or idea node. The
content is for writing additional information for the node
while brainstorming. The asset value is for the idea node
and represents field for giving value to the idea in the
whole network of ideas. The updating interface is shown
for every selected node from the drawing board, presented
on Figure 4.
Figure 4 - Node properties updating
For the defined problem this tool enables adding new
node manually or automatically.
The manual adding is creating new node that
represents new idea and is defined from the user by
4
populating the node properties such as name, content and
asset value.
The automatically node adding is generating ideas
which are associated with the problem represented by the
selected node. We have developed two aspects of
automatic generating ideas, getting random word from
Google Products and getting similar category words from
Google Sets. Generating of new ideas is with button
clicking from the menu surrounding the node. The tool
takes the word/words from the node name and sends
it/them to the Google Sets service, then the service
generates result set and the ideas are drawing as nodes on
the drawing board. The drawn node network has “flower”
representation.
If generated ideas are not interesting in the process of
brainstorming and the creativity process is somehow
blocked then Random Input needs to be initiated by
invoking random words from the Google Products. It
contains nouns of physical products. These nouns are
used as starting point for generating ideas for the defined
problem on the central node. Google products or
popularly known Froogle gives 25 random product
names. Then randomly selecting two or three of them are
given as input array to Google Sets which continues the
list of the given ideas which some of them are good or
neither of them are good and can be deleted and initiating
new brainstorming session is required.
The idea nodes are branched with sub-nodes. Every
added node is linked with its parent node. The tool
enables repositioning of every node, so it allows the
thinker to make own structure of the nodes. On Figure 5 is
presented idea generation from already defined idea node.
When some of the nodes are moving on the board by the
user, all of his children are moving too, except those
nodes that have children nodes. This is done because of
uniform positioning when large network of nodes is
generated.
Figure 5 – Visual representation from automatic idea
generation
Example:
If car pollution problem is investigated with WTB
then in the central node the name of the problem is
written. This words combination is given as input array to
Google Sets and is used to be extended. The generated
array of new words is displayed as new nodes that are
connected to the root node, in this case the „car pollution”
node. The user also can add his new idea by adding new
node, or can delete the node that has no reason to be in the
nodes network. These results are shown by the WTB used
on the „car pollution” problem, presented on Figure 6:
Figure 6 - Car pollution problem
The generated node results are:
- car pollution, land pollution, neighborhood
noise, smoke, air quality, ozone pollution
If we extend the investigation on the generated nodes and
start again generating new ideas from the node “ozone
pollution” we are getting this result, presented on Figure
7:
Figure 7 - Result of continuous idea generation
The nodes are:
- noise pollution, axair climate, soot pollution,
world map, toxic, particle pollution, ozone
5
disinfection, basic chemistry, haz mat,
global warming, air pollution, noise
pollution
These generated ideas are good starting point for thinking
and evaluating the good ones and removing the most
irrational one. On Figure 8 is presented brainstorming
session extended to several nodes and the results are:
Figure 8 - Extended ideas
We are going to remove all nodes from the network
that we think are inappropriate. All other generated nodes
or manually added (not generated automatically) can be
additionally updated with value that represents the metric
which is going to be one of the factors for making
decision, the node to stay or remove it from the nodes
network. On Figure 9 is presented idea node properties
with asset value set to 70 meaning that this ideas will
participate in the decision making with that value.
Figure 9 - Evaluating node
After the brainstorming session is finished the user
can save the whole project in XML file, and he can send
this file with e-mail to his collaboration partner. This
XML representation is displayed on Figure 10. This
second user can open the web page and import the
received XML file. Then the whole structure with nodes
and ideas generated as the original one are going to be
drawn on the display. After that the brainstorming can be
continued by other user.
 [4] ParaMind Brainstorming Software -Idea Creation
Technology http://www.paramind.net/ (accessed
10.01.2009)
[5] Brainstorm and Affinity Diagram Tool,
http://www.skymark.com/pathmaker/tour/brain.asp?gclid
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10.01.2009)
[6] Solution Genie,
http://www.brainstormingdss.com/site/bsnet.html
(accessed 10.01.2009)
[7] Brainstorming Toolbox,
http://www.infinn.com/toolbox.html (accessed
10.01.2009)
[8] Idea Fisher,
Figure 10 - XML representation of the nodes network
http://www.thoughtoffice.com/?page_id=148
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multiuser system. This means that the application will [9] ConceptDraw,
have system for registering users and every user could http://www.conceptdraw.com/en/products/mindmap/main
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[10] SmartDraw,
6. CONCLUSION http://www.smartdraw.com/downloads/index.htm?WT.svl
=link01 (accessed 10.01.2009)
In this paper we present web tool for brainstorming
[11] MatchWare,
which represents one kind of creativity support tool. We
http://www.matchware.com/EN/products/openmind/defau
have covered the brainstorming and random input as
lt.htm (accessed 10.01.2009)
techniques for creativity and utilizing the Google
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linking another thinking pattern into the one we are using.
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