How to brainstorm product ideas
Last updated: February 2025
What is the best way to devise a brilliant solution to a problem? Product development teams reckon with this question daily. From the conception of a new product to documenting requirements for a specific feature, product development relies on smart problem-solving. But harnessing the creativity and insights of a collective can be an unpredictable effort.
You want to set people up for success. This is why many product leaders look for ideation tactics that can help corral the chaos and lead to innovation. Brainstorming has long been a popular way to generate ideas in a condensed time frame. And over the years, various tools and techniques have emerged that offer unique ways to stoke creative thinking and engage different personalities in new ways. All of this has helped make brainstorming a more productive effort — no matter what you are building.
Brainstorm better in Aha! software. Sign up now.
Try the brainstorming session template.
FAQs about brainstorming
What is brainstorming?
Brainstorming refers to the concept of organized ideation. There are no "bad" ideas in a true brainstorming session. When done as a group, people should not critique each other or otherwise dampen creativity by vetting the viability of what is proposed. Because nothing is criticized and there is no pressure to come to a final solution, brainstorming sessions frequently result in "piggyback" ideas. In other words, one person's idea might spark someone else to offer a related, but unique concept.
Free association — expressing oneself without censorship — is a core tenet of brainstorming. To encourage this, brainstorming sessions rely on positive reinforcement to solicit more participation. Teams often attempt to create a playful atmosphere where no idea can be seen as too outrageous.
How often should you brainstorm new product ideas?
It is rare that you will ever be short on product ideas because they can come from anywhere: customers, teammates, or your own research. But it is a good idea to host regular brainstorming sessions at the start of planning any major product launch or update. This keeps your creativity fresh and your ideas tuned into current business goals and market conditions.
What tools do product teams use for brainstorming?
Product teams commonly use whiteboard software to host brainstorming sessions. These virtual whiteboarding tools typically come equipped with templates and collaborative features that make for easy and effective brainstorming in a visual space.
If you are looking for a whiteboard tool created purposefully for product development, give Aha! Whiteboards a try. It was built by our team for product builders like you — and is designed to fit seamlessly into your workflow and provide an innovative space for generating new product ideas.
