The purpose of brainstorming is to:

Brainstorming is a creative technique designed to generate a large number of ideas in a short period. The primary goal is to facilitate the rapid production of creative ideas by encouraging participants to think freely and share their thoughts without the constraints of judgment or criticism. It emphasizes quantity over quality initially, allowing for a diverse range of concepts and solutions to emerge.

During brainstorming sessions, the focus is on encouraging spontaneous ideas, which can later be evaluated and refined. This approach fosters an open atmosphere where participants feel free to contribute, resulting in a broader spectrum of innovative possibilities. After the brainstorming phase, individuals can then assess these ideas more critically, building on the most promising contributions.

Other options mentioned, while they might cross the minds of participants during the brainstorm, do not capture the essence of the technique itself. The creativity and spontaneity central to brainstorming distinguish it as a valuable method for idea generation in various contexts, including business, education, and creative projects.