Module 5 · Lesson 3 of 17
Brainstorming, interviews, mind maps, and Six Thinking Hats
This lesson and the entire Lean Six Sigma Black Belt academy are free of charge — no fees, ever.
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of brainstorming, interviews, mind maps, and six thinking hats in a garment-factory improvement project.
- Apply the described method to a representative shop-floor situation.
- Recognize the common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Concept
Structured creativity methods capture shop-floor knowledge while preventing hierarchy and criticism from narrowing the solution set.
Silent brainstorming equalizes voice; interviews reach tacit knowledge; mind maps show relationships.
Six perspectives — facts, risk, value, creativity, emotion, facilitation — reduce bias in mixed teams.
Garment-factory example
Operators, mechanics, quality, IE, planning, and washing specialists explore shade variation from six perspectives to surface both technical and behavioral causes.
Method
- Define the question.
- Invite cross-functional participants.
- Set a no-judgment rule and time-box rounds.
- Cluster outputs after generation ends.
Common mistakes
- Allowing senior voices to dominate.
- Confusing complaints with actionable ideas.
Knowledge check
Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.
1. What protects psychological safety during ideation?
2. When is scoring appropriate?
Author: NOSK.life · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21