Need an AI Tool for Brainstorming Ideas?
Overcome creative blocks by using ChatGPT prompts designed to generate fresh ideas for projects, content, and business.
Next Best Action
Finish this guide, then continue with another AI Productivity tutorial to lock in the workflow.
FAQ Highlights
- Will AI replace human creativity?
- How do I pick the best idea from AI output?
Introduction
Staring at a blank page waiting for a great idea is frustrating. The best way to brainstorm with AI is not to ask for "ideas" broadly, but to give the AI specific constraints that force creative thinking.
Here are proven prompt techniques to generate ideas that are actually useful.
Step 1: Use the "SCAMPER" Technique
SCAMPER is a classic creativity framework. ChatGPT can apply it to almost any topic.
Try this Prompt:
Apply the SCAMPER method to the idea of [a weekly meal prep service for busy professionals]. For each letter, give me 2 specific ideas:
- Substitute: What can I replace?
- Combine: What can I combine?
- Adapt: How can I adjust it?
- Modify: How can I change it?
- Put to another use: What else can it do?
- Eliminate: What can I remove?
- Reverse: What if I do the opposite?
Step 2: Use the "What If" Constraint
Forcing unlikely constraints often leads to the most creative ideas.
Try this Prompt:
I need to create content for a [personal finance blog aimed at college students]. Give me 10 article ideas using this constraint: each idea must combine a personal finance topic with a completely unrelated topic (like gardening, video games, or cooking). Be specific and unusual.
Step 3: Generate Multiple Angles on the Same Topic
If you already have a topic but need a fresh angle, ask AI for different perspectives.
Try this Prompt:
The topic is "[remote team communication]." Generate 5 different angles for a blog post:
1. Beginner-friendly.
2. Data-driven (stats and research).
3. Controversial or opinionated.
4. Step-by-step tutorial.
5. Comparison (tools or methods).
FAQ
Will AI replace human creativity?
No. AI is great at generating combinations and variations, but it lacks personal experience and genuine insight. Use AI to overcome the blank page problem, then inject your own perspective.
How do I pick the best idea from AI output?
Look for ideas that surprise you or make you think "I have not seen that before." If an idea feels generic, skip it. The best ideas are usually the ones the AI generates after you give it a weird constraint.
Related Tutorials
- /tutorial/how-to-use-ai-to-create-todo-list
- /tutorial/how-to-use-ai-to-plan-your-week