Ask Difference

Brainstorm vs. Spitball — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 24, 2024
Brainstorming involves generating ideas in a structured manner, often aimed at solving specific problems. Spitballing, on the other hand, is a more casual, free-form approach to sharing ideas without a particular goal or structure in mind.
Brainstorm vs. Spitball — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Brainstorm and Spitball

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Key Differences

Brainstorming is a systematic technique used to generate creative solutions to problems by encouraging participants to come up with a wide range of ideas, however unconventional they may be. The focus is on quantity over quality in the initial stages, with evaluation reserved for later. Spitballing, whereas, is less formal and can occur in any setting where people casually throw out suggestions or ideas, without the pressure of feasibility or immediate relevance.
In brainstorming sessions, participants often follow specific rules, such as withholding criticism and welcoming all ideas, to create an open and non-judgmental environment. This structured approach aims to harness the collective thinking of the group. On the other hand, spitballing is more spontaneous, with participants freely expressing any thoughts that come to mind, often leading to a more divergent range of ideas, but with less focus and direction.
Brainstorming typically requires a facilitator to guide the session, ensuring that the process remains productive and that every participant has an opportunity to contribute. In contrast, spitballing does not usually involve a facilitator or moderator, reflecting its informal nature and the lack of a structured process.
The goal of brainstorming is often to address a specific issue or challenge, making it a common technique in business, design, and problem-solving contexts. Spitballing, whereas, may not have a clear objective, serving more as a way to freely exchange ideas or thoughts, which could potentially lead to innovative concepts or solutions.
While brainstorming is characterized by its collaborative nature, with the aim of building on each other's ideas, spitballing allows for a more individualistic expression of thoughts. Participants in a spitballing session may not necessarily seek to develop or expand upon the ideas of others, leading to a wider, but less cohesive array of suggestions.
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Comparison Chart

Goal

To generate solutions for specific problems.
To freely share ideas without a specific goal.

Structure

Highly structured, with rules and often a facilitator.
Informal and spontaneous, without set rules.

Environment

Encourages a non-judgmental, open atmosphere.
Casual, with no pressure to contribute viable ideas.

Process

Involves building on others' ideas collaboratively.
Ideas are thrown out individually, without the need for development.

Context

Used in professional and problem-solving settings.
Can occur in any casual conversation or meeting.

Compare with Definitions

Brainstorm

A collaborative effort to explore and expand upon ideas to uncover innovative solutions.
Brainstorming allowed us to build on each other's ideas and create a comprehensive plan.

Spitball

The act of throwing out random ideas or suggestions to see what might stick, without serious consideration.
We were just spitballing ideas for the new company logo.

Brainstorm

A method to solve problems by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its members.
The team held a brainstorming session to find a new marketing strategy.

Spitball

An approach to creativity that values spontaneous and diverse contributions.
Spitballing helped us break out of our traditional thinking patterns.

Brainstorm

A creative group activity focused on generating a large number of solutions to a specific problem.
During the brainstorming, we came up with over 50 potential product names.

Spitball

The process of casual ideation without the constraints of practicality or relevance.
Spitballing in the brainstorm led to some unexpectedly creative concepts.

Brainstorm

An organized approach to idea generation, often involving specific techniques and exercises.
We used mind mapping as part of our brainstorming session to organize our thoughts.

Spitball

A way to initiate conversation and thought exchange without the expectation of immediate solutions.
Our spitballing session sparked a lively and productive discussion.

Brainstorm

The process of freely expressing and recording ideas without judgment or evaluation.
Brainstorming rules prohibit criticism to encourage open participation.

Spitball

An informal discussion where participants suggest any thoughts that come to mind.
The meeting started with some spitballing about potential project names.

Brainstorm

A sudden clever plan or idea.

Spitball

A spitball is an illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of a foreign substance such as saliva or petroleum jelly. This technique alters the wind resistance and weight on one side of the ball, causing it to move in an atypical manner.

Brainstorm

A sudden, violent disturbance of the mind.

Spitball

A piece of paper chewed and shaped into a lump for use as a projectile.

Brainstorm

To engage in or organize brainstorming.

Spitball

(Baseball) An illegal pitch in which a foreign substance, such as saliva, is applied to the ball before it is thrown. Also called spitter.

Brainstorm

To consider or investigate (an issue, for example) by brainstorming.

Spitball

(baseball) A pitch of a baseball that has been partly covered with saliva, illegal at most levels.

Brainstorm

To think of or produce (a solution to a problem, for example) by brainstorming.

Spitball

A balled-up piece of paper, moistened with saliva (by chewing) and shot through a drinking straw.

Brainstorm

To investigate something, or solve a problem using brainstorming.

Spitball

(baseball) To moisten the ball with saliva before pitching it.

Brainstorm

To participate in a brainstorming session.

Spitball

To brainstorm ideas.

Brainstorm

(US) A sudden thought, particularly one that solves a long-standing problem.
I had been working on the problem for weeks, and then I had a brainstorm and saw that the solution was easy.

Spitball

Paper chewed, and rolled into a ball, to be thrown as a missile; - a childish prank.

Brainstorm

A session of brainstorming, investigating a problem to try to find solutions.

Spitball

A pitched ball in throwing which the pitcher grips the ball between two, or three, fingers on one side (which is made slippery, as by saliva) and the thumb on the other side, and delivers it so that it slips off the fingers with the least possible friction; - also called spitter. When pitched directly overhand a spit ball darts downward, when pitched with the arm extended sidewise it darts down and out. The use of such a pitch is against the rules of professional baseball.

Brainstorm

(British) An unexpected mental error.

Spitball

A projectile made by chewing a piece of paper and shaping it into a sphere

Brainstorm

The clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation; a sudden brilliant insight.

Spitball

An illegal pitch in which a foreign substance (spit or Vaseline) is applied to the ball by the pitcher before he throws it

Brainstorm

To try to solve a problem by discussing it exhaustively in an intense group meeting encouraging uninhibited and spontaneous contributions from all members.

Brainstorm

The clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation

Brainstorm

Try to solve a problem by thinking intensely about it

Common Curiosities

Is there a limit to the number of participants in a brainstorming session?

While there's no strict limit, too many participants can hinder productivity. A typical session has between 4 to 8 people.

Can brainstorming and spitballing be used together?

Yes, they can complement each other, with spitballing providing a broad range of ideas that can be refined through brainstorming.

How do you document ideas in a brainstorming session?

Ideas are often recorded on sticky notes, whiteboards, or digital documents for later review and refinement.

Can spitballing be considered a creative exercise?

Yes, it's a form of creative thinking that encourages the free flow of ideas without constraints.

Is brainstorming always done in groups?

While commonly a group activity, individuals can also use brainstorming techniques for personal idea generation.

How do you conclude a brainstorming session?

By reviewing collected ideas, identifying themes, and planning next steps for evaluation and implementation.

Can spitballing lead to viable solutions?

Yes, despite its informal nature, spitballing can occasionally produce practical and innovative solutions.

How long should a brainstorming session last?

Sessions are most effective when kept between 15 to 60 minutes, to maintain focus and energy.

Can introverts participate effectively in brainstorming?

Yes, with proper facilitation that ensures everyone's ideas are heard, introverts can contribute significantly.

Is criticism allowed in spitballing?

While spitballing is more informal, criticism is still generally discouraged to maintain a free flow of ideas.

Are there digital tools for brainstorming and spitballing?

Numerous digital tools and platforms facilitate both activities, especially for remote teams.

Are brainstorming sessions confidential?

They often are, especially in a corporate setting, to protect the originality of ideas and encourage open participation.

Is there a best time of day for brainstorming or spitballing?

It can vary, but many find that mornings or after a break, when energy levels are higher, are optimal times.

Can brainstorming and spitballing be used outside of a business context?

Absolutely, both techniques are valuable in educational, artistic, and personal decision-making contexts.

Can spitballing be structured?

While it's inherently less structured, some level of organization can be applied to spitballing sessions for specific purposes.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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