Map
Add serendipity to
your brainstorms!
  Random pictures
    Pick images with some meaning to you
    Free associate with your challenge
    What words does the image suggest?
    How can you connect them to your creative challenge?
    What ideas do these connections suggest?
  Random objects
    Free associate w/ your challenge
    Pick an object in your room, office or other current setting?
    What word or phrases does it suggest?
    How can you connect them to your creative challenge?
    What ideas do these connections suggest?
  Thought walks
    Go for a long walk
    What challenges should you ponder on today's walk?
    What ideas come to mind while you're walking?
    Imagine someone is walking with you? What ideas would they suggest, based on their background, knowledge and experiences?
      A friend
      A subject matter expert in your industry or profession
      A famous inventor
      A child (who has no preconceived notions about "the rules" of your industry or profession)
    Be aware of your environment. It's full of idea triggers
      A billboard
      A sign
      The name of a business
      A snippet of overheard conversation
  One word
    Pick a single word at random
    Potential sources: A book or dictionary
    Try to associate that word with your challenge
  Random book
    Read it quickly
    Only look for concepts you can apply to your challenge
  Box of small objects
    Collect 50+ small, random objects
    Make associations between them
    How can they be applied to your challenge?
  Blending ideas
    Write down or capture as many ideas as you can
    Place these ideas in 2 columns
    Make random combinations between them
    If no ideas come to mind, pick another two
  Combine fixed/random elements
    Select 1 fixed element of your problem
    Select a random stimulus
    Free associate between the two
    What ideas does this combination suggest
    Repeat with another random stimulus
  Progressive integration of ideas (a group exercise)
    Brainstorm ideas separately
    Try to integrate them
    Share 2 ideas out loud
  INSTRUCTIONS
One of the problems with brainstorming is that we tend to still be influenced by our biases and existing beliefs, to an extent that we’re not even aware of. To come up with truly valuable ideas, we need to figuratively whack ourselves upside the head, using a variety of techniques to lead our thinking in new directions.
The mind map above (click on the image to view a larger, expanded version) is a compilation of techniques that creativity expert Michael Michalko recommends in his fascinating book, Creative Tinkering: Putting Your Imagination to Work, that are guaranteed to inject some serendipity into your next brainstorming session. In other words, randomness, fresh inputs and disruptive bits designed to stimulate your imagination.
Another excellent resource to help you recognize and leverage opportunities for serendipity is Christian Busch’s book, The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck. The book’s website is https://theserendipitymindset.com. I highly recommend it!