Sticky notes colorful brainstorm

Colorful sticky notes turn brainstorming sessions into visual idea maps, a popular technique in creative companies.

About this subject

Sticky notes, also known as Post-its, were accidentally invented in 1968 by 3M scientist Spencer Silver, who developed a low-tack adhesive. It was only in 1974 that colleague Arthur Fry thought of using them to mark pages in a hymnbook, giving rise to the globally commercialized product. Since then, colorful adhesive pads have become essential tools in offices and creative processes, especially in brainstorming sessions.

In the sticky note brainstorming method, each idea is written on a single Post-it, usually in a vibrant color, and stuck on a wall or board. Colors can be used to categorize themes, priorities, or project stages. This technique, known as brainwriting or 'sticky note storming,' encourages equal participation and prevents dominant voices from suppressing ideas, as everyone writes simultaneously.

Studies show that colors stimulate different brain areas: blue promotes focus, yellow optimism, green creativity, and red attention to detail. Major companies like Google, IDEO, and Spotify adopt walls of sticky notes to prototype products or plan sprints. The simplicity of the material allows for rapid iteration, reorganizing and discarding ideas without cost.

In Brazil, the practice is common in startups and advertising agencies, especially in innovation hubs like São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. Design Thinking sessions often begin with a shower of Post-its, generating structures such as empathy maps and customer journeys. Despite the advance of digital tools, physical sticky notes persist due to their low cost and tangibility in collaborative processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of sticky notes?

Sticky notes were accidentally invented in 1968 by 3M chemist Spencer Silver, who developed a low-tack adhesive. In 1974, Arthur Fry used the adhesive to mark pages in a hymnbook, giving rise to the Post-it.

How to organize ideas using colorful Post-its?

Write one idea per Post-it. Use different colors to categorize themes, priorities, or stages. Stick them on a wall or board and group similar ideas, creating a visual map that facilitates analysis and prioritization.

Why use different colors in brainstorming sessions?

Colors stimulate different brain areas: blue for focus, yellow for optimism, green for creativity, red for attention. They also help organize information visually, making the process more intuitive and productive.