How To Actually Brainstorm Productively

1. Define the problem and solution space…Create boundaries in the idea-generation process.
2. Break the problem down. Use a visual technique, like diagramming.
3. Make the problem personal. How do you make a business problem personal? By getting down in the trenches and observing the individuals who are affected by the problem (and who would also be affected by your proposed solutions).
4. Seek the perspectives of outsiders. In other words, don’t solve the problem in a vacuum.

http://99u.com/workbook/21717/7-steps-to-make-your-brainstorming-more-actionable