Brainwriting (sometimes called “individual brainstorming”) is a method for quickly generating ideas by asking participants to write their ideas on paper (or online) rather than announcing them in tradional group brainstorming sessions.
Brainwriting has the advantage of parallel idea generation. In traditional group brainstorming, only one idea can be presented at a time (a serial process). In brainwriting, you can have the entire group writing ideas at the same time.
Brainwriting is also known as: a cascade session, idea writing, individual brainstorming, and non-oral brainstorming.
Related Links
Web Resources
CreatingMinds.org. Brainwriting
This site gives a brief overview of brainwriting techniques.
Mycoted. Brainwriting
A detailed description.
Chuck Hughes Brainwriting
Includes a summary of different approaches to brainwriting.
Mindtools Brainwriting
Comparison with brainstorming and brief explanation
RealInnovation Brainwriting
Application and examples