Low-Tech Social Network
This activity helps participants in a large group setting visually map out their existing connections and discover new ones by creating a collaborative, physical (or digital) social network. It fosters a sense of community and shared experience within the group.
Use this method at the beginning of a conference, workshop, or large meeting to help participants get to know each other and identify common interests or connections.
Solves: Siloed groups, lack of cross-functional communication, superficial networking
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Step 1: (5 min) Provide each participant with an index card and markers. Instruct them to draw an avatar representing themselves and write their name below it.
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Step 2: (5 min) Optional: Ask participants to add two keywords or tags that describe their interests or role at the event.
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Step 3: (5 min) Have participants attach their cards to a large sheet of butcher paper on the wall (or a digital whiteboard).
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Step 4: (10+ min) Instruct participants to find people they know and draw lines connecting their cards, labeling the connection (e.g., "worked with," "met at," "share interest in"). Encourage new connections.
- Encourage creativity in avatar creation.
- Circulate and help participants make connections.
- Leave the network up throughout the event for ongoing discovery.
- Use different colored markers to represent different types of connections.
- Add a layer of complexity by asking participants to identify potential collaborations or shared projects.
- In a virtual setting, use breakout rooms to facilitate initial connections before mapping on the shared board.