Software Architect Bootcamp

7.5. Exercises

Exercise 7.1

To facilitate brainstorming, the "spitwad technique" is a practical, proven method to generate ideas. The facilitator first passes around identical slips of blank paper. The facilitator then reviews the discussion topic and purpose of the brainstorming session. Next, everyone is requested to write down his or her ideas on one or more slips of paper. Each slip of paper should contain a single idea which is relevant to the discussion topic. Every idea should be complete and self-contained, requiring no additional information or explanation. Each idea is wadded up into a ball and tossed into a wastebasket, a box, or, in a pinch, a corner of the room. Ideally, the end result will be a pile of indistinguishable wads of ...