I have a directory called "ideas" full of text files, one per idea - typically a programming project or blog post. I use the simplest outline format imaginable: broken english sentences indented with tabs.. no concern for punctuation or grammer.
Ideas typically evolve in my head faster than I can outline them, so I try to get points written as quickly as possible. I make each point atomic, breaking compound points into sub-trees. I try not to edit myself, but I will restructure the outline as I go because that seems to feed back into the creative process and help the idea take shape.
Lately, I've been holding back this process because I already have more ideas than I will ever have time to realize and I could easily spend all my available time coming up with more :(
The key to effective brainstorming is to minimize obstruction and distraction. Recording your ideas should be effortless and impartial. The ideal system will be different for each person, but when in doubt, start simple and complicate only as needed.
Ideas typically evolve in my head faster than I can outline them, so I try to get points written as quickly as possible. I make each point atomic, breaking compound points into sub-trees. I try not to edit myself, but I will restructure the outline as I go because that seems to feed back into the creative process and help the idea take shape.
Lately, I've been holding back this process because I already have more ideas than I will ever have time to realize and I could easily spend all my available time coming up with more :(
The key to effective brainstorming is to minimize obstruction and distraction. Recording your ideas should be effortless and impartial. The ideal system will be different for each person, but when in doubt, start simple and complicate only as needed.