Starbursting

The Starbursting method is a type of ideation tool that can be used to explore new research ideas or projects. Rather than brainstorming solutions, this tool encourages participants to generate questions to help better understand a research topic or plan a research project for example.

The Starbursting method works by generating questions on a specific topic using a 6-point framework: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.

Session Approach

1. Download the template (see Templates & Downloads) and print it out for every person in the group or use one for a small group.
2. Introduce the purpose of the exercise (e.g., to evaluate ideas by asking questions around your particular topic). Utilize the template to enable visualization of the method.
3. Begin by inviting your group to work independently by starting to brainstorm questions for each “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How” category. At this step encourage your group to write down any questions that come to mind. Write every question at the corresponding tip of the star. For this independent reflection, dedicate ~10 minutes.
   Below each question type, there are examples of the types of questions your team may generate depending on the purpose of your exercise.
   1. Who
      Examples: Who needs training to optimize research outputs? Who are potential collaborators for this research?
   2. What
      Examples: What specific skills and expertise are required for this project? What current funding opportunities exist to support this work?
   3. Where
      Examples: Where can we access support to help us with this proposal? Where can we publish this work?
   4. When
      Examples: When should progress be reviewed? When are delays expected?
   5. Why
      Examples: Why should an interdisciplinary approach be prioritized? Why might ‘now’ be the best time to move forward with this research?
   6. How
      Examples: How can we effectively develop this proposal collaboratively? How can we involve graduate students?
4. Next, ask every member to take turns sharing the questions they came up with. If many questions were generated, invite members to share their top question for each point.
5. Once satisfied with the number and depth of the questions, the next step in this exercise is to try to come up with answers for each question as a team. Set an appropriate time limit. Depending on time, you may do this as a large group or break into smaller groups with each assigned a particular area. Assign a facilitator to ensure everyone contributes to the discussion.
6. If needed, come together as a large group to share the most significant findings of the small group discussion.
7. Outcome: This collaborative process will help to uncover potential opportunities and challenges related to your topic area from different team member perspectives. It can also help to kickstart project planning.