High/low grid for brainstorming

The High-Low-Grid helps to decide, what is important.
The High-Low-Grid helps to decide, what is important. - Foto: Jörg Stroisch/canva.com

The classification of creative thoughts, for example after a brainstorming session, into a concrete action set is not so easy. The High/Low-Grid can be of help here, as it helps to set priorities.

Grids are a typical tool in the Design Thinking process, there are many different ones. The High/Low-Grid is used for example by (Sibbet, David (2010). Visual meetings: how graphics, sticky notes and idea mapping can transform group productivity. JohnWiley & Sons) as a “simple template” that “allows groups to sort their thoughts into relevant categories.”

It is divided into four boxes: high influence/low influence and high effort/low effort. In other essays, they are also called prioritization grids.

Method for quick ranking of ideas

The advantage of such a method allows for “rapid delivery” because “in allocating their time and resources, the team can focus on ideas that generate value for the customer and can be realized at a relatively low cost,” according to one blog, for example.

In terms of the process, it goes like this:

  • 1st phase: In order to be able to classify ideas, they must first be generated. Brainstorming is a good way to do this.
  • 2nd phase: Sticking them on the grid and sorting them.
  • 3rd phase: “Opposite” brainstorming, i.e. the opposite of phase 1 or consciously thinking about the negative in your solo self-employment
  • 4th phase: Putting an unkt on the subjectively most important problem case for you. Of course it can be helpful that this is in the field of low effort – high benefit. But this is not a must.

If you want to learn more about agile and design thinking, subscribe to my newsletter.
And efficiently, I have developed the Design Thinking Box, where you can find cards and templates to make agility work for you – for example, as a solo entrepreneur. And surely feel free to contact me if you have questions – or use the comments for it.

1 thought on “High/low grid for brainstorming”

Leave a Comment