Improv Prototyping
Improv Prototyping allows teams to playfully experiment with solutions to persistent challenges by acting out scenarios and iteratively refining them based on observation and feedback. This method fosters creativity, collaboration, and rapid learning through embodied experience.
Use this method when a team is stuck on a complex problem, needs to break through resistance to change, or wants to generate innovative solutions in a fun and engaging way.
Solves: Resistance to change, lack of creative ideas, difficulty breaking down complex problems, unproductive training sessions.
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Step 1: Explain the process and sequence of steps to the group. (2 min)
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Step 2: Set the stage by describing the scenario to be acted out and assigning roles. (3 min)
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Step 3: Players enact the scene on stage. (3-5 min)
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Step 4: Observer groups debrief using 1-2-4-All to identify successful and unsuccessful 'chunks' from the scene. (5 min)
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Step 5: Each observer group pieces together successful chunks into a new prototype and rehearses it within their group. (5 min)
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Step 6: Volunteer groups enact their improved prototype on the main stage. (3-5 min)
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Step 7: Continue rounds until a satisfactory prototype emerges.
- Encourage participants to fully embody their roles and embrace the playful nature of the activity.
- Consider assigning roles like stage manager, creative director, and facilitator to support the process.
- Draw themes and dramatic lines from previous activities like Discovery & Action Dialogues or Simple Ethnography.
- Invite the audience to replay scenes in small groups to discover better (and worse) actions.
- Organize face-off competitions between small groups, judged by an 'applause-o-meter'.
- Link with Design StoryBoards, Shift & Share, and User Experience Fishbowl to disseminate innovations.