What is the main purpose of brainstorming in problem solving?

The main purpose of brainstorming in problem solving is to generate ideas and suggestions. This technique encourages free thinking, enabling participants to produce as many ideas as possible without immediate judgment or evaluation. The essence of brainstorming lies in its focus on quantity over quality, promoting creativity and allowing for diverse perspectives to emerge. This idea generation phase is crucial, as it lays the foundation for later steps in problem-solving, such as evaluating the ideas and selecting the most viable options.

After brainstorming, teams can sift through the suggested ideas to analyze and refine them, making it an integral first step in the broader problem-solving process. It creates an open environment where participants feel encouraged to share their thoughts, fostering collaboration and innovation, essential elements for effective problem resolution.