Introduction to the Question Burst Technique

Question Burst is a brainstorming method created by Hal Gregersen. Its purpose is to help individuals or teams break through creative blocks by focusing solely on asking questions. The technique encourages participants to suspend judgment, avoid premature problem-solving, and focus on inquiry. The goal is to generate a fresh perspective on a problem by stepping back from assumptions and considering a broader range of possibilities. The process typically involves a specific problem statement, followed by a rapid burst of questions from multiple participants within a set time frame. The questions are meant to open up new thinking paths, rather than provide immediate answers or solutions. For example, if a team is stuck on how to increase user engagement on a platform, instead of immediately seeking solutions, they would focus on asking varied questions like 'What drives user engagement today?', 'Are there competitors doing this better?' or 'What metrics define successful engagement?'

Key Functions of Question Burst

  • Facilitating Creative Problem-Solving

    Example Example

    A startup team is struggling to innovate a new feature for their app. During a Question Burst session, they are prompted to ask questions such as, 'Why do our users avoid certain features?' or 'What if we redesigned the interface entirely?' These questions guide the team toward creative solutions that they may not have considered.

    Example Scenario

    Teams stuck in a product development cycle who need fresh perspectives.

  • Identifying Blind Spots

    Example Example

    An NGO working on climate change policies finds their efforts stalling. A Question Burst session helps them realize they've neglected to ask critical questions about local political resistance, such as 'Who in the community feels threatened by these changes?' or 'What are the immediate economic impacts?'

    Example Scenario

    Organizations seeking to challenge their existing strategies or assumptions by examining unconsidered angles.

  • Encouraging Open-ended Inquiry

    Example Example

    A CEO is unsure how to adapt their business model to new market trends. In a Question Burst, participants ask 'What if our main revenue source became obsolete tomorrow?' or 'How can we turn our weaknesses into strengths?' These questions don't have immediate answers but encourage deeper exploration.

    Example Scenario

    Leaders or executives needing to explore long-term strategy without rushing to premature decisions.

Ideal Users of the Question Burst Technique

  • Teams and Organizations

    Companies, non-profits, or groups that need to break through stagnation in ideation, strategy development, or problem-solving. These users benefit from Question Burst by opening up new pathways of thought and challenging assumptions.

  • Individual Creatives and Leaders

    People in leadership positions or creative roles, such as CEOs, entrepreneurs, or artists, who are facing complex challenges and want to foster more innovative thinking. They benefit from the reflective and exploratory nature of asking better questions.

How to Use Question Burst

  • Step 1

    Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without login, also no need for ChatGPT Plus.

  • Step 2

    Define your problem clearly, making sure it’s specific and actionable. Avoid vague or overly broad issues.

  • Step 3

    Prepare for a 4-minute session where you’ll ask as many questions about the problem as possible, focusing on quantity over quality.

  • Step 4

    Review the questions without judgment. Look for patterns, surprising angles, or insights that stand out.

  • Step 5

    Use the insights gathered to explore new ways to approach or solve the problem, without rushing to conclusions.

  • Problem Solving
  • Brainstorming
  • Business Strategy
  • Decision Making
  • Creative Thinking

Common Questions about Question Burst

  • What is the main goal of the Question Burst method?

    The main goal is to unlock creative problem-solving by encouraging you to view your challenge from multiple perspectives. Through rapid-fire questioning, you disrupt conventional thinking and often uncover unexpected solutions.

  • Why should I focus on asking questions instead of seeking answers?

    Asking questions expands the problem space, helping you to consider options and factors you might have missed. It shifts your thinking from fixed ideas and opens up more creative pathways to problem-solving.

  • How long does a typical Question Burst session take?

    A typical session involves a 4-minute period of asking questions, followed by time to review the questions and reflect on insights. The entire process can take between 10-15 minutes.

  • Can I do a Question Burst on my own, or do I need a group?

    You can absolutely do a Question Burst solo. However, using it with a group can bring in more diverse perspectives and generate a wider range of questions, which can be particularly helpful in complex situations.

  • What kinds of problems is Question Burst best suited for?

    It’s ideal for problems where you're feeling stuck or uncertain. Whether you're facing a personal dilemma, a business challenge, or even creative blockages, the Question Burst method helps unlock fresh approaches.