Need ideas but don’t know where to start?

Try this brainstorming activity: Write 1 word in the middle of a blank page. For this example, let’s use “burger.” 

Now, set a time for 60 seconds and brainstorm everything connected to that word.

  • Grilled
  • Bun
  • Burger King
  • Veggie
  • Messy
  • Lettuce
  • Cheese

The goal is quantity, not quality. Don't think too hard. Don’t filter yourself. Don’t judge. Just STORM!

This is one way real inventors break through mental fog—by getting the obvious stuff out of the way and finding that one spark that stands out.

What’s your word? Try it and tag us with an image of your storm cloud.

2. Emoji Brain Mapping

Want to brainstorm without typing full sentences? Do it with emojis instead!

Start with a theme like “summer.” 

Visual: Show words with an emoji

  • Sun emoji = hot
  • Beach emoji = vacation
  • Music note emoji = music festivals
  • Ice cream cone emoji = summer treats

This visual way of mapping helps your brain make connections, not just lists. And connections equal ideas.

Try this activity with your own topic. What emojis would map out your next big idea?

Screenshot your emoji map and tag us!

3. Backwards Brainstorming

Here's a creativity hack. Work backwards.

First, pick an awesome idea, like a glow-in-the-dark notebook. Then, reverse-engineer the idea:

  • What’s its purpose?
  • Why does it glow?
  • How does it glow?
  • Who would use it?
  • What problems does it solve?

Brainstorm a bunch of ways it could exist—different designs, different functions, and different materials.

Reverse brainstorming helps you build ideas that already feel like winners! Try it with something you love and see what you discover.

4. What is Brainstorming Really For?

Visual Idea: Create slides with the text and then a voiceover

You’ve heard the word a million times, but...What is Brainstorming Really For? 

It’s not about coming up with ONE good idea.

It’s about coming up with A LOT of ideas—even weird ones!

Why? Because your first ideas are usually the most obvious ones.

Idea 1: already exists

Idea 2: Kind of boring

Idea 10: Wait...this might be genius!

Brainstorming clears the existing ideas out of your brain, so you can dig deeper for the creative gold underneath. 

Don’t judge your ideas. Just get them out! Then you can start choosing which ideas are worth keeping.

5. Where do Famous Ideas Come From?

Ever wonder where some of the most famous ideas came from? Hint: It’s not a lightning bolt. It’s brainstorming.

McDonald’s Happy Meals—came from a brainstorm. “How can we make meals fun for kids?” “How can we get parents to spend money here?”

Answer: Add a toy + smaller portions + a colorful box.

Now you have a global hit.

Brainstorming words because it asks:

  • “What if...?”
  • “Why not...?”
  • “How else...?”

You don’t need a million-dollar company to brainstorm famous ideas. You just need a notebook and a few wild ideas. Start scribbling.