Starbursting Technique: How to Brainstorm Using Starbursting

Starbursting is a visual form of brainstorming that prioritizes generating questions before seeking answers. The “star” in starbursting is a six-point star, the center of which is the topic you want to discuss. Each arm of the star represents one of the following big-picture questions:

1. 1. Who?
2. 2. What?
3. 3. Where?
4. 4. Why?
5. 5. When?
6. 6. How?

The starbursting brainstorming technique uses these broad category questions as jumping-off points to generate more detailed questions, which spawn even more complex questions. The purpose is for you and your team to form refined, specific questions about the topic instead of ideas or answers. Your team gets a detailed overview of the topic through starbursting, typically by producing fifty or more questions before jumping to solutions. Exploring the issue to its fullest provides a foundation for focused, innovative solutions.

You can use the starbursting technique in almost any discussion, especially when exploring new creative ideas you want to develop. Here are some situations where you’ll find starbursting useful:

1. 1. Decision-making: When you need to decide between several options, the starburst technique can help you narrow them down to the best choice. You might ask: Who benefits the most from each option? What is each option available to us? Where can we best utilize each option? Why is one option better than another? When can we implement each option? How do we put each option into motion?
2. 2. Idea generation: Starbursting can be a great way to brainstorm fresh ideas. Ask questions like: Who does this idea appeal to or benefit? What do we want to achieve with this idea? Where will this idea take place? Why should we pursue this idea? When can we implement this idea? How can we put this idea into action? Learn more about how to brainstorm ideas with entrepreneur Sara Blakely.
3. 3. Problem-solving: Exploring all sides of a problem before landing on the best solution will help streamline the problem-solving process. The starburst questions might start with: Who does the problem affect? What is the problem exactly? Where does this problem occur? Why does this problem happen? When do we need to solve this problem? How can we approach the problem?
4. 4. Product or service development: When you’re developing a new product or service, exploring the starburst questions can inspire creative thinking. You might ask: Who is the intended market for the product or service? What does the product or service supply? Where will we manufacture it? When do we want to release it? Why do people need this product or service? How will we design the production process to meet our goals? Learn more about the product development process.

Starbursting is a great option when traditional brainstorming methods fail. Some of the advantages of starbursting are:

1. 1. It is faster than regular brainstorming. The question process generally takes less time than an unfocused brainstorming session.
2. 2. It prepares you for potential pitfalls. In starbursting, you explore every possible question surrounding the topic. The process is all-encompassing, so you’ll be prepared for potential pitfalls once you dive into the development process.
3. 3. It provides a foundation for development. Discovering the ins and outs of the topic sets you up nicely for a smooth development process. Consider scheduling two sessions; one to pose questions and another to explore answers.

Starbursting is just one brainstorming method, and it may not be for everyone (or every project). Some reasons you may choose not to pursue starbursting include:

1. 1. It is easy to get bogged down by unlikely scenarios. You can waste your team’s time if you get bogged down in answering questions about unlikely scenarios.
2. 2. It can be less inclusive. Starbursting carries the risk that one person (or a vocal few) will dominate the conversation. Using a timer for responses helps give everyone a chance to have their voice heard. Learn more about inclusive leadership.
3. 3. It is easy to get off track. Because starbursting is a process of asking open-ended questions, there is a danger of wandering off the focused topic entirely. The best way to maximize your time and keep things on track is to have an appointed facilitator responsible for keeping the conversation on track.
4. 4. Its precision can lead to meandering. The questioning process can get so precise that it touches on questions you are not ready to answer this early in the process.

One of starbursting’s biggest draws is that it is easy to put into place. Follow this step-by-step guide for a successful starbursting meeting:

1. 1. Draw a six-point star. Start your starbursting session by drawing a six-point star on a whiteboard or large sheet of paper. Write your idea, product, or the main question you want to explore in the star’s center.
2. 2. Add the questions. Write the following question words on each point of the star: Who? What? Where? Why? When? How?
3. 3. Brainstorm questions. Brainstorm questions about the topic, based on the question words. Focus on questions only (avoid answers at this stage) and write them next to the corresponding star point. Allow for a systematic flow of questions.
4. 4. Discuss possible answers. Once you’ve extensively explored all types of questions and written them into your starbursting diagram, shift your focus to generating answers. You may want to schedule an answer session separate from the question session to create some time for reflection or divide your team into smaller question groups to tackle each set of questions. Once you’ve collected your team’s answers, you will have a solid template for future team discussions and how to achieve your goal.

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