Brainwriting (6-3-5 method)
Brainstorming in writing: six people write three ideas in five minutes and pass the sheet on so the next person can build on them.
What it’s for
It lets everyone ideate at once: nobody waits their turn, and the ideas of quiet people count as much as those of talkative ones.
Key elements
In silence
Each person writes; nobody interrupts.
On others’ ideas
Each round continues, improves or discards the ideas received.
Fixed pace
Six rounds of five minutes: up to 108 ideas in half an hour.
How it’s done
Hand out the sheets with the problem written at the top.
Write three ideas in five minutes.
Pass the sheet and continue someone else’s ideas.
Applications in design
When to use it
In groups where some people talk much more than others.
Avoid
Voting without having read all the sheets.
Don’t fall for it
Write short, clear ideas: someone else has to understand them without asking you.
Connections
Authors and works
- 1969
Bernd Rohrbach
Published it as the “635 method”: six people, three ideas, five minutes.
Sources
Original sources
- Rohrbach, B. (1969). Kreativ nach Regeln – Methode 635, eine neue Technik zum Lösen von Problemen. Absatzwirtschaft, 12, 73–75.
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