06 : RANTS
A useful research tool
A RANT is a way of 'dumping thoughts' or 'capturing ideas' in order to start a creative or learning journey. You may recognise the technique as a 'brainstorm'.
For a number of reasons, I think that 'RANTing' is a more useful way of thinking about this technique.
The RANTS acronym reminds us of the 'process' of capturing ideas and encouraging 'free association'
The acronym RANTS stands for
Record - every thought, comment, idea
Accept - without comment, question, judgement or editing
Number - set of target of a number of 'ideas' you want to record
Time - set a time limit to the RANT process
Sort - step away from what you have captured before trying to sort your results. There are numerous ways top 'sort' the information. One way is to use MindMapping and the Six Hats framework to sort ideas into Feelings, Information, Positives, Risks, Creative Ideas and Further Actions (next steps).
A RANT may allow you to capture what is currently 'known' and 'understood' but more excitingly reveal 'associated ideas', 'connections' and questions.
Alan /|\