What is the function of "brainwriting" in group elicitation techniques?

Brainwriting serves a vital role in the group elicitation process by allowing participants to generate ideas individually before sharing them with the larger group. This technique encourages creativity by letting each member write down their thoughts without the influence or pressure from others. As a result, individuals can express their ideas freely and thoroughly, which can lead to a richer variety of ideas once those thoughts are shared with the group.

By fostering an environment where everyone can contribute equally, brainwriting mitigates the issues that sometimes occur in collaborative settings, such as groupthink or domination by more vocal individuals. Once each person's ideas are collected, they can be discussed collectively, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive brainstorming session. This method helps ensure that even the quieter members of the team have their ideas heard, contributing to a more balanced and effective ideation process.