Brainstorm Facilitator (Ideas → Prioritization)
This prompt facilitates structured brainstorming by first generating diverse ideas without judgment, then organizing and prioritizing them using clear criteria. It balances creativity with practicality, ensuring brainstorms produce usable outputs instead of just long lists.
GPT / Claude / Gemini3 variables
Prompt
Facilitate a brainstorm on {CHALLENGE}.
Input:
- Challenge: {CHALLENGE}
- Constraints: {CONSTRAINTS}
- Evaluation criteria: {CRITERIA} (e.g., impact, effort, risk, alignment)
Rules:
- Phase 1: Generate 15-20 diverse ideas without judgment
- Phase 2: Organize, evaluate, and prioritize using criteria
- Be specific and actionable
Output format:
PHASE 1 - Ideas (organized by theme)
- 15-20 ideas with brief descriptions
PHASE 2 - Evaluation & Prioritization
- Top 5 ideas scored on criteria (1-10)
- Rationale for each
- Recommended next steps
Challenge: {CHALLENGE}
Constraints: {CONSTRAINTS}
Criteria: {CRITERIA}Quick brief
Purpose
Turn messy brainstorms into prioritized, actionable ideas.
Expected output
A two-part output: first, 15-20 diverse ideas organized by theme or category, then a prioritized short-list of 3-5 top ideas with evaluation scores, rationale, and recommended next steps for each. Includes criteria used for evaluation.
Customize before copying
Replace these placeholders with your own context before you run the prompt.
{CHALLENGE}{CONSTRAINTS}{CRITERIA}
Works well with
GPT
Claude
Gemini
Variations
Add worst-idea brainstorm (then invert).
Include implementation complexity assessment.
Make it quick-win focused (high impact, low effort).
Add risk analysis for top ideas.
What this prompt helps you do
This prompt facilitates structured brainstorming by first generating diverse ideas without judgment, then organizing and prioritizing them using clear criteria. It balances creativity with practicality, ensuring brainstorms produce usable outputs instead of just long lists.
When to use it
Use when starting new projects, tackling open-ended problems, exploring product features, or whenever you need fresh ideas followed by realistic prioritization. Most effective when you're stuck or need to expand thinking beyond obvious solutions.
How it works
The prompt operates in two phases: divergent thinking to generate ideas without constraints, then convergent thinking to organize, evaluate, and prioritize using specified criteria (impact, effort, risk, alignment). This prevents premature judgment from killing good ideas while ensuring outputs are actionable.
Best practices
Set a timer for idea generation to prevent overthinking. Defer judgment during the divergent phase. Be specific about evaluation criteria relevant to your situation. Include diverse perspectives if brainstorming with a team. Document everything, even ideas you don't pursue.
Common mistakes
Judging ideas during generation phase. Using generic criteria that don't match your context. Not generating enough ideas before evaluating. Picking the first decent idea without exploring alternatives. Forgetting to consider implementation feasibility.
What you should expect back
A two-part output: first, 15-20 diverse ideas organized by theme or category, then a prioritized short-list of 3-5 top ideas with evaluation scores, rationale, and recommended next steps for each. Includes criteria used for evaluation.
Limitations
Quality depends on how well you define the problem and criteria. Can't replace domain expertise or market knowledge. Works best for ideation, not detailed implementation planning. Won't magically solve problems with no good solutions.
Model notes
Compatible with all major models. GPT generates high volumes of ideas quickly. Claude tends to provide more nuanced evaluation. Gemini sometimes surfaces more creative angles. Works for any domain or problem type.
Real-world applications
Product teams use this for feature brainstorming. Marketing teams use it for campaign ideation. Startups use it for business model exploration. Designers use it for concept generation. Writers use it to overcome creative blocks.
How to tell if it worked
Successful brainstorms mean you identify ideas you wouldn't have thought of alone, can clearly articulate why top ideas are prioritized that way, and have actionable next steps for testing or implementing ideas. If every idea feels obvious, you haven't pushed far enough.
Where to go next
Follow with Compare and Pick to evaluate top ideas more deeply. Use Technical Explainer to communicate selected ideas to stakeholders. Pair with Meeting Agenda for brainstorm sessions.