Framestorming

Introduction to Framestorming

Framestorming is a creative brainstorming technique that is used to generate innovative ideas and solutions to problems by shifting perspectives. It involves reframing or redefining the problem to stimulate fresh thinking and uncover new angles and solutions. It’s a powerful tool in Agile environments, where adaptability and innovative problem-solving are key.

Advanced Aspects of Framestorming

Framestorming goes beyond traditional brainstorming by challenging the initial understanding or ‘frame’ of a problem. It promotes:

• Empathy: By encouraging participants to view the problem from different perspectives, including those of customers, stakeholders, and other team members.
• Divergent Thinking: It encourages exploration of multiple ideas and solutions rather than converging on a single solution early on.
• Challenging Assumptions: It forces teams to question their assumptions about the problem and its potential solutions.

By doing so, Framestorming can lead to more innovative, comprehensive, and effective solutions.

1. A product team uses Framestorming to generate new ideas for enhancing user experience. They shift their perspective to that of different user demographics, leading to a more inclusive design.

2. A marketing team is struggling with a campaign. They use Framestorming to redefine the problem, leading to a completely new, innovative campaign strategy.

3. A leadership team uses Framestorming to tackle low employee engagement, viewing the issue from the employees’ perspectives to uncover new solutions.

Framestorming evolved from the concept of reframing in psychology, and has been increasingly applied to innovation and problem-solving in business, particularly within Agile methodologies.

• Framestorming is not just ‘thinking outside the box’ – it’s about shifting perspectives and challenging assumptions.
• It is not a quick fix, but a process that requires time and open-mindedness.

• Compared to traditional brainstorming, Framestorming involves a shift in perspective, not just idea generation.
• Like Design Thinking, it emphasizes empathy and user-centric thinking, but it can be applied to any problem, not just design-related ones.

• Brainstorming
• Divergent thinking
• Empathy
• Design Thinking