Brainstorming, Step 1 to an Awesome Invention

Here at THE STACKS, we are happy to announce a new contest called Invention Dimension from BKFK.com (By Kids For Kids). The contest challenges kids under 19 to come up with new ideas for toys, games or sports equipment. In the next few months, we will bring you true stories and advice from young inventors. Here is some advice from Alyssa and Kaycee to help you come up with an invention idea. Read on to find out how to get started. . .

So, you are excited and ready to start inventing! Except you've got one little problem. . . you have no idea what you are going to invent! Don't worry, there is an easy and creative process to get you started, brainstorming. This process will help you come up with of tons of different ideas, and then guide you in narrowing down to what will soon be your creation! There are many ways to brainstorm. Here is the process that worked for us.

First, make a list of things you like to do. Do you like to play sports? Video games? Board games? Go to the beach? Collect rocks? If you start with what you are interested in, it is easy to really get ideas flowing. The next step is to get more specific as to what kind of activity, sport, video game, or board game you like best. For example, if you like to play sports, write down all the different sports you like and then choose one to focus on. What do you like most about that sport? What makes it fun? What aspect of the sport is the most interesting to you?

Next, ask yourself, “What could make this even better?” If you chose baseball, then you could ask yourself different questions as you play a typical game. For example, “How can I improve baseball equipment? How can I make practicing baseball more fun, or easier?” Or, “How can I come up with a new game that keeps all the most fun parts of baseball, but is played a different way?” Suddenly a rush of ideas will flow to your head; it’s almost like when a storm comes blowing in from all directions. That's why it's called brainstorming! One important thing to remember is that every idea is a good idea, so write it down. It doesn't matter if your ideas seem too far out. Brainstorming is about coming up with as many ideas as possible!

After you have come up with all your ideas, then start narrowing them down. Ask yourself, "What cool features can I give my invention?" Set aside all the ideas that you don't think you can make happen right now. Don't throw your ideas away, though! Keep those ideas in a notebook for a later time. Then look at all the ideas you have left. Now think about who will be using this invention. Is it made for teenagers? Children? Boys? Girls? People with disabilities? It is very important to keep the group you are inventing for in mind, so as not to make the inventions too complicated, too simple, too girly, etc. You can eliminate the ideas that might not appeal to that group. Now, look at the ideas that are left. Which are the most interesting to you? If more than one idea is exciting, can you combine them? And, because we are talking toys and games, which idea sounds like the most fun? After you answer all of these questions, you should know what you want to create! Now you’re ready to start working on your amazing invention.

Happy brainstorming! We can't wait to see what you come up with!

— Alyssa Hansen & Kaycee Johnsen, Kid/Teen Inventors

 

Alyssa Hansen and Kaycee Johnsen, both 16, began inventing when they were just 10 years old. They, along with their siblings and friends, have created Boogie2Boogie, a new kind of wave-riding toy and the Underwater X-treme, a challenging pool toy that solves the problem of everybody peeking when playing Marco Polo. Both inventions won the National TOYchallenge and are currently being marketed by By Kids For Kids. Alyssa and Kaycee have been writing a regular column for creative kids in bkfk.com since 2006 and have co-written a book and activity kit that teaches kids how to invent. You can see all of their creations, and a lot more at www.bkfk.com.

Comments

[Comment #1]

awsome.............................................................................is's

[Comment #2]

I'd invent a trail-taker. It's a little device on wheels powered by a solar panel. It will mark my trail when I get lost, or hold a white flag if I'm camping or hiking and am in danger. That way no-one would get lost!

[Comment #3]

how bout a.................

[Comment #4]

if i had to choose which was better out of harry potter, lord of the rings, or goosebumps.it would have to be goose bumps because of the endings and how you'll never know what would happen next. my favorite is night of the living dummy 1 and 2.so please don't stop writing.

[Comment #5]

cooooooooooolll

[Comment #6]

nice!! I think I'll try.......

[Comment #7]

This is so cool... I just hope that I won't procrastinate until the last minute like last time!

[Comment #8]

i want to win this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #9]

This is awesome!!

[Comment #10]

The trail invention would come in handy.

[Comment #11]

This is the best! tell me what you feel!

[Comment #12]

wat r yall even talkin bout at least say wat u r talkin bout

[Comment #13]

tell me bout your guyse's lives what have you guys been up toooo and how old you guys are .What are are you working for or not working.Are you going to school your work. Let me know what you guys are doing in your live. one more thing Tis is awesome and colllllllll?

[Comment #14]

this is a waist of some one times doing things like this people need to mine there own thing and stick with someone elses.

[Comment #15]

allie finkle is totalllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy boring am i righ or wrong havin to sit out here and wait to see wats going on