You're running a brainstorming session. What flipchart paper types will keep your team engaged?

1 Plain paper

Plain paper is the most basic and versatile type of flipchart paper. You can use it for any kind of brainstorming activity, from mind mapping to sketching to voting. Plain paper gives you a blank canvas to work with, and allows you to customize it as you wish. You can use different colors, shapes, symbols, and fonts to organize your ideas and make them stand out. Plain paper is also easy to cut, fold, and stick to the wall or other surfaces. The downside of plain paper is that it can look boring and cluttered if you don't use it well. To avoid this, make sure to leave some white space, use clear headings, and group related ideas together.

2 Grid paper

Grid paper is a type of flipchart paper that has horizontal and vertical lines forming a grid pattern. Grid paper is ideal for brainstorming activities that involve numbers, data, charts, graphs, or tables. Grid paper helps you to align your information, create consistent shapes and sizes, and compare and contrast different options. Grid paper can also be used for brainstorming activities that require spatial reasoning, such as designing layouts, floor plans, or maps. Grid paper can make your brainstorming session more structured, organized, and precise. The downside of grid paper is that it can limit your creativity and flexibility, and make your session too rigid and formal. To avoid this, make sure to use grid paper only when it suits your purpose, and balance it with other types of paper that allow more freedom and expression.

3 Lined paper

Lined paper is a type of flipchart paper that has horizontal lines across the page. Lined paper is ideal for brainstorming activities that involve writing, listing, or outlining. Lined paper helps you to write neatly, clearly, and legibly, and to keep your ideas in order and in sequence. Lined paper can also be used for brainstorming activities that involve ranking, prioritizing, or categorizing. Lined paper can make your brainstorming session more coherent, logical, and concise. The downside of lined paper is that it can restrict your visual creativity and diversity, and make your session too linear and monotonous. To avoid this, make sure to use lined paper only when it fits your content, and mix it with other types of paper that allow more variety and imagery.

4 Dot paper

Dot paper is a type of flipchart paper that has small dots evenly spaced across the page. Dot paper is ideal for brainstorming activities that involve drawing, doodling, or illustrating. Dot paper helps you to create smooth curves, shapes, and patterns, and to add details and dimensions to your images. Dot paper can also be used for brainstorming activities that involve connecting, linking, or clustering. Dot paper can make your brainstorming session more creative, playful, and colorful. The downside of dot paper is that it can be distracting and confusing, and make your session too chaotic and messy. To avoid this, make sure to use dot paper only when it enhances your message, and clarify it with other types of paper that provide more structure and clarity.

5 Sticky paper

Sticky paper is a type of flipchart paper that has a self-adhesive backing that allows you to stick it to any surface. Sticky paper is ideal for brainstorming activities that involve moving, rearranging, or editing. Sticky paper helps you to change your perspective, experiment with different combinations, and refine your ideas. Sticky paper can also be used for brainstorming activities that involve grouping, sorting, or labeling. Sticky paper can make your brainstorming session more dynamic, interactive, and collaborative. The downside of sticky paper is that it can be expensive and wasteful, and make your session too dependent on the paper. To avoid this, make sure to use sticky paper only when it adds value to your process, and reuse it as much as possible.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?