Ideo's Beliefs About Brainstorming Effectiveness

Brainstorming is an essential part of the culture at Ideo, a company renowned for its innovative designs such as the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and Oral-B toothbrush. To ensure productive brainstorming sessions, Ideo has developed a set of beliefs about what makes brainstorming work best. However, not all elements contribute to the success of Ideo's brainstorming sessions. Let's explore which factors improved Ideo's brainstorming and which did not.

Ideo's Beliefs About Brainstorming

At Ideo, the following factors are believed to enhance brainstorming effectiveness:

  • Morning vs Afternoon Meetings: Some individuals are more creative and energetic in the morning, while others thrive in the afternoon. By offering options for both time slots, Ideo caters to the diverse preferences of its team members.
  • Group Sizes of 6 to 10 People: Ideo believes that smaller groups of 6 to 10 people are ideal for generating a wide range of ideas while maintaining efficiency in decision-making.
  • Cookies During Meetings: Providing snacks such as cookies during brainstorming sessions can boost morale and creativity among participants.
  • Creativity Awards: Recognizing and rewarding creativity through awards can motivate team members to actively participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas.

Factors That Did Not Improve Ideo's Brainstorming

Although Ideo values creativity and innovation, one factor did not contribute to the improvement of brainstorming:

Answer: Creativity Awards

Explanation: Brainstorming is a collaborative process that thrives on a free exchange of ideas. Creativity awards may create a competitive atmosphere that distracts team members from fully engaging with each other's ideas. In a brainstorming session, the focus should be on generating a wealth of ideas collectively rather than seeking individual recognition.

Brainstorming is so much a part of the culture at Ideo that it has its own set of beliefs about what makes brainstorming work best. All of the following improved Ideo's brainstorming except: a. morning vs afternoon meetings b. group sizes of 6 to 10 people c. creativity awards d. cookies during meetings

Creativity AwardsExplanation: Brainstorming is a way of getting new ideas, which occurs when individuals collectively rub minds together raising new ideas and settling for the best of the ideas raised. Creativity awards would tend to bring up individual interest which might not really help in ideas raising when brainstorming.

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