Episode 41: How to design a brainstorm for autistic and ADHD thinkers - and everyone else
Published on 15 July 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
📄 You can also read a more extensive version of this short blog as a thought leadership article: Neuro-inspired brainstorming: how to design idea generation that unlocks your team’s collective genius.
When we picture a successful brainstorming session, we often imagine a lively, fast-paced meeting where ideas fly and energy runs high. But what if that same energy is draining more than half your team instead of engaging them?
Most brainstorms are designed for people who think by talking – typically extroverts and fast processors. Yet research shows that 56.8% of people globally prefer an introverted working style. Add autistic thinkers, deep processors, and people who need evidence before ideating, and it becomes clear: many brainstorms are unintentionally exclusionary.
If we want better ideas, we need better design.
In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I explore how leaders can design brainstorms that work for different neurostyles, not just the loudest voices in the room. I focus on three practical design choices that consistently unlock better thinking.
Tips follow below…
➡️ Looking for more practical ways to design your team practices?
I share reflections on neuro-inspired team and organizational design, based on the questions I receive, in my free weekly newsletter.
1. Before the session: design for psychological safety and enable preparation
Provide evidence and data in advance, in more than one format.
Share clear game rules so people know ideas won’t be judged too early.
Share the agenda, the process, and any collaboration tools ahead of time.
Preparation isn’t about control – it’s about offering different minds the conditions they need to contribute.
2. During the session: offer multiple ways to contribute
Start with silent idea generation before anyone speaks.
Allow both written and verbal contributions, in separate rounds.
Use reframing questions to reset the discussion and open new perspectives.
This isn’t about slowing things down – it’s about widening the pool of ideas.
3. Create space after the session
Create spaces for continued idea sharing.
Allow 1-2 days for follow-up contributions.
Close the loop by showing how you’ll use the ideas.
Some of the most valuable insights arrive after people have had time to think.
These neuro-inspired design choices are essential if you want to release your team’s collective genius. Without them, brainstorms only work for one neurostyle – and critical insights remain locked inside people’s heads.
