Extreme brainstorming questions to trigger new, better ideas

Founder takeaway

When ordinary brainstorming produces predictable ideas, use deliberately extreme questions to break assumptions and reveal overlooked product or business-model possibilities. Generate freely first; evaluate feasibility afterward.

Why it matters

Founders can mistake familiar thinking for a lack of options. Challenging the constraints everyone takes for granted can uncover differentiated ways to create and capture value.

Relevant guides

Put it to work

Ask your team: “If our current business model were impossible, how else could we deliver and capture the same customer value?” Generate options without judging them, then identify one worth testing.