aivoriihi

Aivoriihi refers to a brainstorming session in Finnish, a collaborative method used to generate many ideas quickly to address a problem or opportunity. It emphasizes free-flowing ideas and rules that discourage early criticism, aiming to create an open environment for creativity.

The term is a direct translation of the English word brainstorming and has been adopted in Finnish management, education, and media since the late 20th century. It is typically conducted by a trained facilitator who outlines the problem and session goals. The objective is to produce a wide range of ideas, including unconventional or wild concepts, without immediate judgment.

A typical aivoriihi follows a structured process. First, the problem is clearly stated and the rules are agreed upon (no criticism, encourage wild ideas, build on others’ ideas, focus on quantity). Participants engage in focused idea generation for a fixed period, after which ideas are recorded and later explored. In many sessions, ideas are volleyed and expanded upon before a judging phase that selects promising options for further development. Formats can vary and include in-person, virtual, and hybrid arrangements.

Variants of aivoriihi include brainwriting, where participants write ideas independently before sharing, and electronic brainstorming using online tools. The method is applied in product development, process improvement, education, and research settings to accelerate ideation and increase participation.

Effectiveness depends on proper facilitation and participation. When well-managed, aivoriihi can enhance creativity and collaboration; drawbacks can include production blocking, group conformity, or domination by outspoken individuals. Clear goals, inclusive participation, and structured evaluation help mitigate these issues.