Sometimes we just do not know how to proceed. We feel blocked and there seems to be no way out. Or sometimes we just do not have any new ideas and feel empty and clueless. In such cases the selected tools below can help to refuel your imagination, to tap on the collective reservoir of ideas or to just look at the question from another perspective.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming makes it possible to quickly and with a minimum effort widen one’s horizon about available experiences, ideas and opinions. This method, good for application in groups and in workshops, consists of collecting uncommented ideas or suggestions.
It is used especially at the beginning of a meeting or workshop in order to gain an overview of the available experiences or ideas to be built upon.
Possible from10 mins - 30mins
Lager groupsmin. 12 peoples
Depending on the variation: post-its, flipcharts, cards, markers, posters ...
Brainstorming sessions are useful for solving problems, making product innovations, improving communication patterns, optimizing customer services, scheduling projects, budgeting, etc. Brainstorming taps into the combined creativity of all the participants.
Comprehensive Text about Brainstorming
Building on one Another
When a rock is dropped into water it creates waves. At the right angle and with enough speed, a stone can be skipped across a lake. These well-known images help us talk about new ideas in a constructive way. When a team member comes up with a new idea, our first reaction is often to express our doubts. We say: “Yes, but...”, which does not allow the idea to make waves or skip along. By saying “Yes, and…” we experiment with the idea and build on it. This is more encouraging and productive. A good way to visualize this is to write the initial idea in the centre of a sheet of paper. This is the rock that is dropped into water. The other team member then writes his or her “Yes, and…” addition to the idea in a circle surrounding the initial idea. This is the wave created by the rock. And so on.
This method can be used for brainstorming during breaks or in order to steer a meeting in a more productive direction.
20-40 min
2 persons
Buildin on one another template and pen
Sit down with a team member. Have him or her write their idea in the centre of a piece of paper. For example: “We could sell groceries online and deliver them.” This is the rock that is dropped into water. Incorporate this idea and build on it. For example you might say: “Yes, and we should find a focus group.” Write this down in a circle surrounding the initial idea. This is the wave the rock created. Then it’s your partner’s turn again. He or she might say: “Our focus group could be families with small children or working singles who don’t have time to shop.” Have him or her write this down in a circle surrounding the other ideas. This is the wave spreading. Then you might add: “These focus groups might be interested in organic food. We could work with organic farms.” And so on. Let the idea grow.
This method focuses on encouraging and developing ideas, rather than getting stuck on barriers and doubts. The image of a rock creating waves in water, or of a skipping stone, is a helpful visualization. Working with these images and putting our thought process down on paper helps us build ideas together.
This method can be found in the book: Creability by Eppler, Hoffmann and Pfister, 2014.
Find here the template for Building on one Another
Creativity Pad
This exercise helps people tap into their creativity by providing a simple tool. It can be used daily and is designed for individual use. At the same time it reminds us to share and discuss our ideas with others. It consists of a series of questions that provoke creative thinking. Keep a copy of these questions handy so that you can go through them whenever you get stuck.
The questionnaire is designed for individual use but you can discuss it as well with your team or in a group during a meeting. It helps people use creative thinking in their everyday work. It also helps with concentration and changing perspectives.
Possible from10 mins - 40 mins
1-4 people
Template questionnairewriting material
Keep a copy of the following questions nearby, for example on your desk. Work with them whenever you feel they might be helpful:
It’s important to bring creativity to the desk. This questionnaire reminds us to do so. Finally, don’t forget to share and discuss your ideas with others when you are done!
Find here the template for Creativity Pad
Reframing Matrix
Sometimes you just do not advance with your task. A change in perspective might help. The reframing matrix helps you to analyze the problem from different perspectives.
You are looking for a new or different approach, you want to overcome a dead end in your work.
20-60 min
Team, 2-6 persons
Reframing matrix, paper and pen
Work with the reframing-matrix. Define your problem and sketch four boxes for the four perspectives: perspective of the product, perspective of planning, perspective of potential and perspective of persons. Like this you analyze the problem from the perspective of four different stakeholder groups. Distribute tasks among the team or work together on the different perspectives. The complete picture with the different perspective might allow you to re-formulate your starting question.
By changing the perspective and looking at the problem from a different side, it can help to find new ways to approach it. The Reframing matrix provides a structured approach to develop the different perspectives.
Find here the Reframing Matrix.
Scamper
Scamper stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse. Scamper helps teams come up with ideas when they are stuck in a rut. It is a checklist that prompts us to look at an issue from different points of view. The team goes through the checklist in a sort of structured brainstorm. This introduces a creative kick to the thought process.
Scamper works best for teams of three to six people, though it can easily be adjusted for larger groups of people. It is used whenever the thought process could benefit from a fresh way of looking at things.
Possible from30 mins - 1h
3 - 6 people
paper, writing material
Questions related to the seven points might be, for example:
It is a good idea to think about whom you would like to include in the Scamper. It makes sense to have people with different functions or from different departments, in order to broaden the perspective. Then define what it is you want to have people focus on. Which product, solution or procedure do you want to develop or improve? Then follow the checklist. Brainstorm as many questions and answers as possible and write them all down. This is about generating ideas. Once you have completed the checklist and the brainstorming process you may evaluate what you have come up with.
This method combines interaction, tempo, creativity and structure. It is less chaotic than a regular brainstorm, but still allows ideas to flow freely. The results can be evaluated and altered after the Scamper. It is applicable to many different areas and produces unexpected solutions.
Wall of Ideas
A Wall of Ideas can help teams share thoughts, collect ideas, or even talk about issues. A pinboard or posterboard is set up in a prominent spot. Colleagues are encouraged to put up pictures, quotes, comments and so on, that relate to a certain topic. The topic may be general, such as: “What inspires you this month?” or specific, such as: “How can we improve our meetings?”
Wall of Ideas are used in offices or other workplaces, at workshops or other events. It helps to discuss a topic that needs to be looked at from different angles or that needs new inputs.
The following questions will help you decide if a Wall of Ideas is appropriate for your purpose:
1h to createsome days for further remarks
1 person tosmall groups
Post-its, pictures largepaper, writing material
Decide what the topic of your Wall of Ideas will be, how long you want to have it up, and where you want to set it up. Put in in a prominent spot and provide necessary materials, such as note cards and markers. Invite your colleagues to an informal “opening” of the Wall of Ideas and explain the concept to them. The following rules are helpful:
Wall of Ideas encourage people to think creatively. It is refreshing, particularly in today's world, to work with such a physical medium. It also discourages people from abandoning ideas too quickly. Whims and inspirations are shared and may in turn inspire the others.
