What does brainstorming help to encourage in the design process?

Brainstorming is a crucial technique used in the design process primarily to foster creative thinking among all participants. During a brainstorming session, individuals are encouraged to freely share their ideas without immediate evaluation or criticism, which creates an open environment conducive to creativity. This lack of judgment allows for a wider range of ideas to emerge, some of which may be unconventional or innovative, ultimately enriching the design process.

Creative thinking is essential in any design project because it leads to diverse solutions and approaches to problems. By prioritizing the generation of ideas rather than seeking group consensus or making final decisions right away, brainstorming effectively taps into the collective creativity of a team. This collaborative effort not only enhances the number of potential solutions but also inspires participants to build on each other's ideas, leading to breakthroughs that may not occur in a more conventional, structured setting.