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Spreadsheet Pixel Art

Participants use conditional formatting in a spreadsheet to turn numbers into colors, collaboratively creating a 'pixel art' image. It blends technical skills with creative expression.

20-45 min2-20 peopleMedium
When to Use

To foster collaboration and provide a creative outlet using familiar, non-creative tools.

How It Works

Solves: Technical teams feeling disconnected from 'creative' team-building activities.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to facilitate this method
  1. 1

    Step 1: Prepare a Google Sheet with conditional formatting rules (e.g., 1=Red, 2=Blue) (Pre-work).

  2. 2

    Step 2: Share the link and assign different quadrants of the sheet to small groups (2 min).

  3. 3

    Step 3: Groups work together to 'paint' a specific image or a free-form mural by entering numbers into cells (15-30 min).

  4. 4

    Step 4: Review the final masterpiece and take a screenshot for the team channel (3 min).

Facilitator Tips
  • Provide a simple reference image for the team to try and replicate if they struggle with free-form art.
  • Ensure the cell size is small (square) to make it look like true pixels.
Variations
  • Competition mode: Two teams race to finish a specific pixel-art pattern first.
Source: GamestormingLearn more