Brain Writing
Used For 💡
Silent ideation
Inclusive participation
Building ideas collaboratively without groupthink or dominance
Group Size 👫
3–8 participants per team (unlimited number of teams)
Total Time ⏳
8–12 minutes (plus optional voting time)
Energy Level ⚡
Low to Medium
Noise Level 🔊
Very Low (intentional silence)
What This Is 🤔
Brainwriting is a quiet, structured ideation exercise designed for people who think best on their own — but still want to build on others’ ideas. Instead of talking, participants write. Instead of debating, they iterate. And instead of competing for airtime, everyone contributes equally.
It’s especially powerful for mixed groups, introverts, and teams that want depth without noise.
How It Works 🔩
1. Set the Challenge
Present a clear problem, question, or opportunity.
Emphasize that this is a silent exercise.
2. Team Setup
Divide participants into teams of 3–8.
Each person gets:
One sheet of A4 paper
A pen
Place extra blank paper in the center of each table.
3. First Idea
Each participant writes a short idea (a few sentences max) at the top of their sheet.
No polishing. No explaining. Just capture the idea.
4. Pass & Build
After ~30–60 seconds, everyone passes their paper to the next person.
The receiver reads the idea and adds a “Yes, and…” contribution beneath it.
Papers continue circulating as ideas evolve.
5. Keep It Flowing
When a sheet fills up, start a new idea on a fresh page.
Only work on one side of each page — don’t flip the page over.
Continue until time is up.
No talking. Just read → write “yes, and…” idea → pass.
What You’re Practicing 🎯
Inclusive ideation
Building on others’ thinking
“Yes, and…” collaboration
Letting ideas evolve without ego
Separating idea generation from evaluation
Why It Works 🏗️
Brainwriting removes common ideation blockers: loud voices, early judgment, and social pressure. Silence creates psychological safety, while written iteration allows ideas to compound rather than compete. The result is often more ideas, better ideas, and wider participation.
Optional: Dotmocracy 🔵
1. Display the Ideas
Tape all sheets on the wall.
2. Vote Silently
Give each participant 12 dots (ideally sticker dots; simply drawing the dot also works)
Dots can be placed:
On the main idea (top of the sheet), or
Next to specific “Yes, and…” contributions
3. Decide
No discussion during voting.
Afterward, each team appoints a decider (through a quick rocker, paper, scissors, session, for example) to choose which idea(s) move forward
Pro Tips 🥠
Emphasize clarity over cleverness — short beats smart.
Keep time tight to prevent overthinking.
Model the “Yes, and…” tone in your instructions.
Play soft instrumental music if silence feels awkward.
Common Pitfalls ⚠️
Letting people talk “just a little.”
Writing essays instead of building blocks.
Switching too quickly into evaluation mode.
Allowing one person to dominate during idea selection.
Optional Debrief 💬
How did silence change the quality of ideas?
What surprised you about how ideas evolved?
Who contributed in ways that usually go unnoticed?
The Takeaway 🥡
Brainwriting proves that creativity doesn’t need volume — it needs space. By slowing things down and letting ideas build quietly, teams discover that innovation is often a collective remix rather than a solo performance.
Sometimes the smartest ideas speak softly — on paper first.