| DESCRIPTION |
This method is set in the form of a light-hearted competitive
game. Creativity methods normally avoid competition because it tends
to be divisive. However, as long as the game atmosphere is fun rather
than overly competitive, and the facilitator ensures that there are
no significant losers, the game format might be useful, particularly
in training contexts where winning and losing are likely to be less
of an issue and both can be used to provide teaching material.
The game will take a little longer than some other
brainwriting techniques. Very little facilitation skill is needed. The
structure is as follows:
- Display the problem statement, and explain that the winner of
the game is the one who devises the most unlikely solution.
- The facilitator sells each group member an agreed number (say
10) of blank, serially numbered cards at, say, 10p each, pooling
the money to form the prize. Each group member signs a receipt that
records the serial numbers of their set of cards.
- Members try to think of utterly implausible solutions, writing
one per card. The cards are then put up on a display board.
- Members now have (say) 15 minutes to silently read all the solutions,
and to append to them (on further un-numbered cards or Post-its)
ways in which they could be converted into a more practical way
of solving the problem (so reducing that ideas’ chances of
winning).
- Each member then has two votes (e.g. two sticky stars) to vote
for what s/he now considers to be the most improbable idea on the
numbered cards. The idea that attracts most votes wins the pooled
money.
- Form two sub-groups, give half the cards to each, and give each
group (say) 15 minutes to develop six viable solutions from their
cards.
- Each sub-group tries to ‘sell’ their ideas to the
other sub-group.
- Everyone comes together and agrees on the best ideas overall.
[Source: www.mycoted.com
]
|