Starburst brainstorming is used to generate questions about a project and spark inspired solutions within your team during product development. Each ray of the star posits one of these five questions that, once answered, can lead to specific and precise problem-solving:

1. Who? – Who will be using this product or benefiting from this project?

2. What? – What are the goals or values we strive for?

3. Where? – Where is this product being used?

4. Why? – Why are we developing this project or product, why does it matter?

5. When? – When will users interact with this product?

Structure your discussion and answers around these five versatile queries, and get as microscopic as possible by building new questions off of each answer. By the end of the brainstorming session, you will have covered a wide range of project details and narrowed in on the most thoughtful solutions possible through creative ideas.

Starbursting brainstorming techniques ask participants to focus on questions rather than answers. By shaping queries using a reverse brainstorming method around five pre-defined categories, teams can develop broad ideas and address concerns before diving into the project.

Formulating answers on the fly through rapid ideation can make any brainstorming session stagnate. Try using this reversal of focus and ask key questions to open the floodgates to an influx of intuitive solutions.

Start by downloading FigJam’s starbursting template and gather your coworkers, virtually or in person for a brainstorming meeting. Then follow these four key steps to make the most of this starbursting diagram tool:

1. Without worrying about answers, generate as many questions as you can for each of the five leading phrases.

2. Jot down and discuss solutions for each question.

3. Repeat this process for any questions that arise from each answer.

4. Use your results to anticipate obstacles and shape decisions for your project.