The Maker's Mystery Challenge
A hands-on creative challenge where participants must build a physical prototype or 'invention' using a limited set of random materials to solve a specific, often absurd, prompt.
To stimulate lateral thinking and demonstrate how constraints can actually drive innovation.
Solves: Analysis paralysis or a team that is stuck in conventional ways of thinking.
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Step 1: Participants open their 'Mystery Boxes' simultaneously on camera (5 minutes).
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Step 2: Facilitator reveals the challenge prompt, e.g., 'Build a device for an alien to eat soup' (2 minutes).
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Step 3: Individual or small group 'Build Phase' where participants construct their items (20 minutes).
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Step 4: 'The Pitch'—each person has 60 seconds to sell their invention to the group (15 minutes).
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Step 5: Use a digital poll to vote on 'Most Innovative' or 'Best Storytelling' (5 minutes).
- Play upbeat, 'tinkering' music during the build phase.
- Encourage participants to use 'storytelling' rather than just describing the object.
- Digital version using only items found within 5 feet of the participant's desk.