How does the concept of divergent and convergent thinking apply to individual brainstorming?

Divergent and convergent thinking are two phases of brainstorming. In the divergent phase, an individual generates as many ideas as possible, focusing on quantity over quality. This allows for a wide range of ideas and encourages creative thinking. After enough ideas have been generated, the individual then moves into the convergent phase. This is where critical thinking is applied to narrow down the ideas to the most practical and useful ones. This process of alternating between divergent and convergent thinking can lead to innovative solutions and ideas.

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Divergent thinking is also known as the generative or flaring phase. At this point, let your imagination flow, anything goes. This is when quantity matters more than quality. Once enough ideas have been collected, we then transition into convergent thinking, also known as the selective or focusing phase. This is when hard cold logic and critical thinking reign supreme. Use this occasion to narrow down the collection of ideas into only the practical few. In fact, this interplay between divergent and convergent thinking has taken up a critical role in product discovery, with an emphasis on rapid iterations.

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Brainstorming Techniques

How can you accelerate the cerebral engines that power those “Aha!” moments? And what sets a good idea apart from just any average idea? Whether it’s ...

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