Brainstorming Session Timer

Using a timer for brainstorming sessions helps in several ways:

• Creates a sense of urgency that can boost creativity
• Keeps the session focused and prevents it from dragging on
• Helps manage time effectively during meetings
• Encourages participants to share ideas quickly without overthinking
• Creates a structured environment for idea generation

The ideal duration depends on your specific goals, but research suggests:

• Short bursts (5-10 minutes): Great for quick idea generation on specific topics
• Medium sessions (15-30 minutes): Ideal for most brainstorming activities
• Longer sessions (45-60 minutes): Better for complex problems, but should include breaks

It's often more effective to have multiple shorter sessions than one long marathon session, as creativity tends to diminish over time.

To maximize the effectiveness of timed brainstorming:

• Clearly define the problem or question before starting the timer
• Encourage quantity over quality during the initial phase
• Establish a "no criticism" rule during idea generation
• Use the pause feature when you need to capture a complex idea
• Consider using multiple timers for different phases (divergent thinking, convergent thinking, etc.)
• Take short breaks between timed sessions to refresh thinking