Starbursting

Starbursting is a brainstorming technique that focuses on generating questions rather than answers. In this approach, a central idea or topic is placed in the center of a star-shaped diagram, and each point of the star represents a different type of question: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Participants then brainstorm questions related to the central idea under each category, branching out from the center like rays of a star. The goal is to explore various aspects and dimensions of the topic, stimulating thorough and diverse thinking. Starbursting is particularly useful in the early stages of problem-solving, idea generation, or project planning to prompt comprehensive exploration and consideration of different perspectives.

Case Study: Launching a New Product

Topic: Launching a new fitness app targeting a diverse audience

1. Create a Star:

   • Draw a star on a whiteboard with the central topic written in the center: "New Fitness App Launch."

2. Generate Questions:

   • Radiate lines from the center, and at the end of each line, write questions:

     • Who is our target audience?

     • What features should the app have?

     • When is the ideal launch date?

     • Where should we focus our marketing efforts?

     • Why would users choose our app over competitors?

     • How can we ensure accessibility for a diverse audience?

3. Diversify the Questions:

   • Expand on each question to cover various aspects, such as specific demographic details, unique features, market trends, potential challenges, and inclusivity considerations.

4. Prioritize Questions:

   • Prioritize questions based on their importance to the success of the new fitness app. For instance, understanding the target audience and defining key features may be prioritized.

5. Answer the Questions:

   • Use the prioritized questions as a guide to gather information, conduct market research, and develop a comprehensive plan for launching the fitness app.

Areas it can help in: Problem Solving, Innovation, Brainstorming, Product Development, Content Creation, Creativity Training, Team Building, Decision Making, Marketing and Advertising, Art and Design, Intrapreneurship, Conflict Resolution, Customer Experience, Process Improvement, Product Development, Strategic Planning, Design Thinking, Research, Event Planning

Additional Exploration:

Starbursting - Understanding New Ideas by Brainstorming Questions (mindtools.com)