Brainstorming with Eureka Cards
This brainstorming method uses structured ideation and 'Eureka' cards to spark creativity and overcome mental blocks, fostering collaborative idea generation and development. It helps teams move beyond conventional thinking to explore innovative solutions.
Use this method when you need to generate a wide range of ideas on a complex problem, especially when the group is struggling with creative blocks or needs a structured approach to ideation.
Solves: Lack of creative ideas, Creative block, Sticking to conventional thinking
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Step 1: Define the Activity (15 mins). Welcome participants, introduce the problem statement, and set clear expectations for a collaborative and productive session.
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Step 2: Ideate (15 mins). Instruct participants to individually generate ideas on A5 cards (one idea per card) for 1 minute. Then, have them pass the cards to the right and build upon the existing ideas. Repeat until everyone has contributed to each card, using Eureka cards for inspiration when needed.
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Step 3: Narrow Down (20 mins). Present the brainstorming rules (stay on topic, one conversation at a time). Use the traffic light method (green, yellow, red dots) for participants to prioritize cards. Discuss and select the most promising ideas for further development.
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Step 4: Reflection (30 mins). Have participants individually reflect on the brainstorming process using reflective questions, followed by peer-group reflection and feedback.
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Step 5: Sharing (15 mins). Each team pitches their final idea selection and reflects on their brainstorming process, providing examples of how they applied the brainstorming rules.
- Clearly explain the rules of brainstorming and the purpose of the Eureka cards before starting.
- Encourage participants to build upon each other's ideas rather than criticizing them.
- Monitor the time and keep the process moving to maintain momentum.
- Use different types of prompts instead of Eureka cards (e.g., analogy prompts, constraint prompts).
- Conduct the ideation phase individually before sharing ideas as a group.
- Use a voting system other than the traffic light method (e.g., dot voting).