Clustering/Mind-mapping
I’ve taught in various formats over the years, and I’ve heard this particular form of idea generation called many different things: clustering, mind-mapping, branching etc. It has also been touted as a good tool for “visual learners.” I tend to balk, somewhat, at over categorizing people into designations such as visual learners versus kinesthetic etc. I think, as with most categories, you rarely fit into one. I think most of us might have a learning preference but often the "best" way to learn varies by the specific learning/thinking situation.
But, I digress.
If you are unfamiliar with the tool, think of it like connecting thought bubbles. Here is an idea and then I draw a line to another idea and so on and so on. What is nice about it. versus some other forms of idea generation, is that mind-mapping does allow you to really see where your thoughts are going and how they might diverge and connect.
If you want to see one in action, and a discussion of its usage, check out this article about a version of mind-mapping that is used most often in the Instructional Design industry called Action Mapping.
So give it a shot! Write down the first word that comes to your mind or right down a topic / idea etc. that you’ve been considering but have been stuck on and see what happens!
If you don’t quite feel this option or get stuck along the way consider the following options:
2 - Go back and try another pre-writing technique
12 - Feeling visual but this form isn’t quite working for you? Maybe you should try a different visual exercise
21 - Look down and scan the gutter