Silent Design Method

Strong Design Through Strong Arguments: Is It Still Relevant Today?

A strong argument will always have its place in the design process because clear and logical reasoning brings real value to the development of products, services, or user experiences. But that’s not the focus here. The problem isn’t with logical reasoning itself but with the power plays and ego clashes that often block the process.

So how can we promote the best ideas without ego and power struggles getting in the way? In the book Hidden Potential, from Adam Grant introduces an exciting approach that addresses exactly this: Brainwriting.

What Is Brainwriting and Why Is It More Effective Than Brainstorming?

Brainwriting is based on the idea of recording creative thoughts anonymously—without immediate evaluation or discussion. Team members write down their ideas, which are then anonymously reviewed by the rest of the group.

This process helps overcome the typical pitfalls of traditional brainstorming, where rivalries often arise, and the loudest voices dominate. As a result, the person with the best arguments frequently prevails—not necessarily the person with the best idea.

The greatest advantage of Brainwriting is that it prevents people from getting stuck in long discussions and focuses instead on the best possible outcomes. Thanks to anonymity, even quieter team members have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and realize their potential without fear of being overlooked or dismissed.

Leaving Egos and Power Plays Behind

By anonymizing ideas, participants' egos become less relevant. Instead of relying on power positions, the strength of the group lies in the ideas themselves. This ensures that the best solutions emerge based on creativity rather than the loudest voice or the strongest argument.

Another benefit is that the team learns from anonymous ideas, enabling entirely new solutions to emerge. This approach avoids relying on seemingly “good” ideas that are often rooted more in sales skills than actual value. As a result, the group grows in an open, supportive environment where ideas take center stage.

Growth-Oriented Teamwork

Team growth comes not only from creative ideas but also from breaking down hierarchies and allowing individuals to play to their strengths. Brainwriting enables team members to learn from each other, question their roles, and redefine them.

When individuals apply their strengths in the right areas, the team grows collectively. Each member also has the opportunity to expand their knowledge by learning from others’ strengths. Ideas can evolve like a puzzle, and roles can be flexibly swapped within the team, leading to better collaboration and increased individual and collective strength.

Mistakes as Opportunities, Not Obstacles

One of the greatest challenges in the creative process is putting aside one’s ego and recognizing that personal horizons can be expanded. Acknowledging this fosters collaboration rather than competition.

With Brainwriting, the goal isn’t to avoid mistakes but to learn from them and focus on continuous growth. Instead of fixating on errors, the emphasis is on achieving the best results and making progress as a team. Mistakes can become opportunities or even spark new ideas.

How to Maintain Motivation

Success is a key source of motivation and feedback for creating a positive work environment. But how can success be made accessible to all team members, especially in a creative process that involves learning and experimenting?

By focusing on learning and continuous improvement, it becomes easier to celebrate small successes within the team. These positive reinforcements help the team stay constructive and avoid discouragement when facing challenges. It’s less about asserting oneself and more about growing together and developing as a group.

Anonymous Competitions and Workshops: The Next Level of Team Dynamics

Another exciting approach involves anonymous competitions, prototype presentations, and design thinking workshops. These methods can introduce a completely new dynamic in organizations by removing the pressure to present oneself or one’s ideas to the group.

Instead, ideas are discussed by the group and might even be presented by a team member who didn’t originally propose them. This creates acceptance and freedom for unconventional ideas.

This form of role-switching not only enhances the creative potential of each individual but also leads to better outcomes, as discussions center on the ideas themselves rather than the personalities involved.

Conclusion: The Path to Better Design Solutions

Strong design isn’t just about brilliant ideas; it’s also about creating the right framework for those ideas to flourish.

With methods like Brainwriting, anonymous competitions, and a focus on continuous growth and collaboration, teams can develop not only more creative solutions but also stronger and more successful communities. The key lies in setting aside egos, putting ideas first, and growing together—for better design solutions and more fulfilling teamwork.