Time needed

5 to 10 minutes

When to use

Towards the end of the amassing phase

Story

Each participant gets one sheet and can give advice to the client using it.

Tutorial

This task is ideally performed at the end of the amassing phase. When people have created lots of inspirations based on search fields and questions, they can give a personal advice to the client. The advice sheet is handed to the participants on a clipboard.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all participants have a clipboard with an advice sheet and a pen. Ask the participants to note their very personal suggestions for the client.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard you find a sheet of paper. Create your own suggestions and advice. Don't be shy. When you are done, hand the clipboard to the facilitator or helpers. Time: about 4 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the content into the Idea Machine Engine. Make sure to divide single ideas by pressing enter after each thought (do not put all the ideas from the sheet in one entry)

Instruction runner

Give people a clipboard with the advice sheet and a pen, or put all the clipboards with the sheet and a pen on the chairs in the plenary. Make sure to collect everything after the task and to hand it over to the minute takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Maybe a good moment for single shots

Time needed

4 to 6 minutes

When to use

Not as a first task as people are inhibited in the beginning

Story

The participants get a sheet with space for a drawing. They fill in several forms. The result: drawings as inspiration for logos, process ideas, chemical formulas etc.

Tutorial

Hand out up to three forms on a clipboard and let the participants design the ideas. Invited them to add a short description. You might want to provide colors for the participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all have a clipboard with a form and a pen. Explain the task.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard there is a sheet for a drawing. Based on the question, create a drawing. You have 4 minutes to do this. If you want to create several drawings, you can get a new sheet.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the drawing on the form, with keywords, press enter after each keyword.

Instruction community

Make sure that people just write down what comes to mind if they don't feel comfortable drawing something

Instruction photographer, videographer

Take pictures of the finished works and put them into the content folder. Please make sure there is a subfolder with the question number

Time needed

4 to 6 minutes

When to use

Not as a first task as people are inhibited in the beginning

Story

The participants get a sheet with space for a drawing. They fill in several forms. The result: drawings as inspiration for logos, process ideas, chemical formulas etc.

Tutorial

Hand out up to three forms on a clipboard and let the participants design the ideas. Invited them to add a short description. You might want to provide colors for the participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all have a clipboard with a form and a pen. Explain the task.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard there is a sheet for a drawing. Based on the question, create a drawing. You have 4 minutes to do this. If you want to create several drawings, you can get a new sheet.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the drawing on the form, with keywords, press enter after each keyword.

Instruction community

Make sure that people just write down what comes to mind if they don't feel comfortable drawing something

Instruction photographer, videographer

Take pictures of the finished works and put them into the content folder. Please make sure there is a subfolder with the question number

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes

When to use

In the later part of the amassing phase

Story

Teams of 4 to 6 people create an box describing with an imaginary product inside. Great to stimulate product features and pricing.

Tutorial

Provide pens in different colors and let the team create an amazing design. Teams can have between 4 and 6 participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the participants go into even distributed groups in the space. Inspire them to think out of the box.

Instruction participants

Go to a station. You find a empty box and pens. Create an ideal product. You have about 20 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Press enter after each single answer on the packaging.

Instruction runner

Prepare the sheets with the boxes before the exercise. After the exercise, make sure the photographer takes a picture of the works, and then hand all of them over to the minute takers

Instruction community

Support the participants. Monitor time. Make sure people the boxes get content and the team is not only discussing...

Instruction photographer, videographer

It's great to take pictures of the boxes in the making, including hands. No details of the ideas please. Take pictures of the finished works and place them in the content folder, using the question number

Time needed

5-15 minutes

Time needed

3 to 5 minutes per station

When to use

Not at the very beginning, otherwise flexible

Story

An object is lying on a poster, covered by a glass sphere. The participants reflect about the properties of the object and write down their observations on answer sheets.

Tutorial

There are different stations in the space. At each station there is a poster with an object, ideally protected by a glass sphere and lit for effect. There are also sheets for answers and an ideabox. The participants let themselves be inspired by the object and write down answers around the properties of the objects and throw the answer sheets into the idea box. This is a free flow exercise, people can spend time at all stations.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all the stations are explained. What can be found where? Make sure that people know that each station has it's own form to be used

Instruction participants

There are different objects distributed in this space. Go to an object you find interesting. Try to project yourself into the future. Get rid of all the ideas you already know. Just focus on the question and answer it on the little slips near the station (just use the slips near this station). Write down everything visionary that comes to mind. Move from station to station.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers (single entry) for each object in the Idea Machine Engine, pressing "enter" after each entry.

Instruction runner

Prepare a separate station for each object. Poster, object, maybe a glass orb to cover it, maybe lighting. Forms for the ideas. Make sure that each station has the right forms and that they stay there. One box near each object.

Instruction techie

Setup LED lights for the objects and remove after usage

Instruction community

Animate to change the station if people are passive.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Ideal for detail shots of people and objects.

Time needed

Dependent on the number of different cards 4 minutes to 15 minutes.

When to use

This tool can be used at any time of the process.

Story

Cute little cards with an image trigger nice ideas.

Tutorial

Place one or more BrainCards close to a core topic. Invite participants to pick a card.

Instruction facilitator

Show the participants where the cards are, present the card styles if there are different ones.

Instruction participants

Pick a card of your choice. Provide a short, crisp answer, write down your answer and place the cards in the box.

Instruction minute takers

Collect the answers in the corresponding question.

Instruction runner

Collect the cards from the idea boxes (sort if there are multiple versions)

Instruction community

Support the team to pick cards

Time needed

7 to 12 minutes

When to use

anytime

Story

The BrainCascade is a two part exercise. First the participant answer a first question on Post-Its. Then they pick a Post-It and fill in a form.

Tutorial

Hand a clipboard to the participants with about 15 Post-It's. Start with a simple brainstorming questions and have all participants add responses to Post-Its. Then stick all the Post-Its on a wall and have the participants select the Post-It they want to work with. They stick the Post-It onto the form and answer the question. Individually or in teams of two. Once done they can pick another Post-It.

Instruction facilitator

The first task is a simple question that is answered on post-its. Each post-it one word or short sentence. The participants are asked to write down as many things that come to mind, no barriers, no limits. Then the post-its are stuck on a wall. The second task is to select any post-it from the wall (not necessarily one the participant wrote him- or herself, and to use the cascade form on the clipboard to create an answer that fits the post-it that was selected.

Instruction participants

Search for a person you find interesting. Select a post-it that inspires you. Then put the post-it on the form and answer the question. Put the form with the post-it and the answer into the box, then repeat the activity. Prefer to work alone? No problem. And yes, you can take any post-it you like, whether you wrote it yourself or not. Time: about 12 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

First information on the post-it, then colon, then the answer from the form.

Instruction runner

Prepare the clipboards with form and pen. Give one of these to each participant. Place replacement sheets on a table near the post-it wall. Put an idea box on the table. During the task collect the finished sheets from the box and hand them to the minute-takers.

Instruction community

Animate participants to pick post-its and to fill in the form. Make sure the sheets are placed in the box continually. If you encounter participants who seem uninspired ask them to team up with someone.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Make pictures of the post-it-wall before people start taking post-its. Also a good photo-op is people picking the post-its.

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes

When to use

Second part of amassing

Story

With snippets of magazines, scissors, glue and pens people create collages to a certain topic.

Tutorial

Organize interesting magazines in the standards format. Cut the magazines with three cuts (left border, horizontally in the middle, vertically in the middle) and you will have thousands of stimulating images. Provide glue & scissors and a the poster with the question.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the participants spread freely to one of the collage stations that catch their attention. Animate them to create solutions and to be inspired by the images.

Instruction participants

In the room are different posters, snippets, pens, glue and scissors. Search for an interesting topic and co-create a work of art. When you are out of ideas please move to the next topic. Time: About 20 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the ideas and the images with keywords in the Idea Machine Engine. Hit enter after each key word.

Instruction runner

Prepare the material: Snippets, glue, scissors and pens at each station, in the middle the poster to create the collage. Then prepare the finished posters for photography, and hand over (after photography) to the minute takers

Instruction community

Support the participants. Animate to browse through all the snippets and to also turn them around. Monitor time. If there is a lot of discussion encourage to capture the results.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Make pictures of all the collages and put them into the folder "content". Make subfolders with the numbers of the questions.

Time needed

3 to 5 minutes per item

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all the parts are explained. What can be found where? Make sure that people know that each station has its own form to be used

Instruction participants

There are different objects distributed in this space. Go to an object you find interesting. Try to project yourself into the future. Get rid of all the ideas you already know. Just focus on the question and answer it on the little slips near the station (just use the slips near this station). Write down everything visionary that comes to mind. Move from station to station.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers (single entry) for each object in the Idea Machine Engine, pressing "enter" after each entry.

Instruction runner

Prepare a separate station for each object. Poster, object, maybe a glass orb to cover it, maybe lighting. Forms for the ideas. Make sure that each station has the right forms and that they stay there. One box near each object.

Instruction techie

Setup LED lights for the objects and remove after usage

Instruction community

Animate to change the station if people are passive.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Ideal for detail shots of people and objects.

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes

When to use

In the later part of the amassing phase

Story

Teams of 4 to 6 people create an object using different materials. Great tool to create a cool design around your main topic.

Tutorial

Provide design tools to the team and let the team create an amazing design. Cool design tools are: glue, cardboard, scissors, wire, wood etc, plastic sheets, recycling materials of all sorts etc. In the space there are different stations. Each station has a set of materials. The participants create a 3D object using the materials in teams. Teams can have between 4 and 7 participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the participants go into even distributed groups in the space. Inspire them to work with the material.

Instruction participants

Go to one station. You find a question, instruction and lots of different materials. Create a great object using the materials provided. Time: About 20 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all anwers into the Idea Machine Engine. Press Enter after each single answer.

Instruction runner

Prepare the material before the exercise. After the exercise, make sure the photographer takes a picture of all the works, and then hand all of them over to the minute takers

Instruction community

Support the participants. Monitor time. Make sure people note all the ideas instead of just discussing.

Instruction photographer, videographer

It's great to take pictures of the works in the making, including hands. No details of the ideas please. Take pictures of the finished works and place them in the content folder, using the question number

Time needed

3 to 5 Minutes

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

Participants answer two questions which is on a form on a clipboard. Doublequestions always come in pairs.

Tutorial

The participants receive one form - usually on a clipboard - they can fill out, individually. Prepare a clipboard for all the participants. All participants answer the questions and but the sheets in the ideabox.

Instruction facilitator

Explain the task and the importance of answering the questions in the corresponding fields.

Instruction participants

In this exercise you will find forms with two questions on them. Answer the top question first, then move to the second question. When you are done, please place your answers in the idea-boxes. We are looking for your very individual, personal answers. Time: about 3 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Attention please. On these forms there are two separate questions (see codes). Ideally one minute-taker captures to first answers and another minute-taker the second answers. This way you don't need to switch questions while processing. Make sure to hit enter after each entry (single keyword).

Instruction runner

Make sure the right forms are at the right stations. Sort die responses from the idea-boxes and bring them to the minute-takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Might be a good moment for single shots or for shots of the full team

Time needed

4 to 6 minutes

When to use

Not as a first task as people are inhibited in the beginning

Story

The participants get a sheet with space for a drawing. They fill in several forms. The result: drawings as inspiration for logos, process ideas, chemical formulas etc.

Tutorial

Hand out up to three forms on a clipboard and let the participants design the ideas. Invited them to add a short description. You might want to provide colors for the participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all have a clipboard with a form and a pen. Explain the task.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard there is a sheet for a drawing. Based on the question, create a drawing. You have 4 minutes to do this. If you want to create several drawings, you can get a new sheet.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the drawing on the form, with keywords, press enter after each keyword.

Instruction community

Make sure that people just write down what comes to mind if they don't feel comfortable drawing something

Instruction photographer, videographer

Take pictures of the finished works and put them into the content folder. Please make sure there is a subfolder with the question number

Time needed

5 to 10 minutes

When to use

At the very beginning of the amassing phase.

Story

Braindump is a tool that allows all participants to get rid of any thing ion their mind which is annoying or disturbing. They write down everything and then put the sheet into an envelope. During the illumination phase participants receive their envelope back.

Tutorial

Hand out the Braindump form - folded - to the participants. Ideally on a clipboard. They answer the question and place the results in an envelope. They put their names on the envelope and will get it back later. Once they get back the envelope they answer the question.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure the participants know that they will receive their envelopes back without anyone opening them, that the content is completely anonymous

Instruction participants

Write down everything that comes to mind regarding the question we asked you. Put the sheet into an envelope. Write your name on the envelope. You will receive it back, no one will read it. Time: About 4 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

no minute taking because it is anonymous

Instruction runner

Prepare the forms (fold vertically) and give them to the participants with a clipboard, a pen and an envelope. (Alternatively prepare all this in the plenary). After the exercise collect all the closed envelopes (make sure they all have a name on them) and hand them to the facilitator.

Instruction community

Gently nudge participants who have trouble putting something on the form

Instruction photographer, videographer

Maybe a good moment for single shots.

Time needed

3 to 5 Minutes

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

Participants answer one question which is on a form on a clipboard. Brainform1 has one answer field.

Tutorial

The participants receive one form - usually on a clipboard they can fill out, individually. Ideal seating: auditorium. Prepare a clipboard for all the participants. All participants answer the questions and hand over the results to the runners.

Instruction facilitator

Invite people into the plenary and make sure that everyone has all the materials they need. Explain the task

Instruction participants

You receive a clipboard with a form on it. Answer the question on your own. When you answered the question, turn around the board and give it to the runners. We are looking for your very individual, personal answers. Time: about 3 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Transfer the answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Make sure to hit enter after each entry (single keyword).

Instruction runner

Give participants a clipboard with pen and form or make sure everything is prepared in the plenary. After the exercise, collect the clipboards and hand the forms to the minute takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Might be a good moment for single shots or for shots of the full team

Time needed

2 to 3 minutes per question

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

Great for getting individual answers from all participants. Brainform3 has three fields.

Tutorial

The participants receive one form - usually on a clipboard they can fill out, individually. Ideal seating: auditorium. Prepare a clipboard for all the participants with all forms in the same sequence. All participants answer the questions and hand over the results to the organizing team.

Instruction facilitator

Invite participants into the plenary and make sure they all have a clipboard, form(s) and a pen. Explain the task.

Instruction participants

You get a clipboard with sheets on it with each 3 fields. Answer the question three times. When you are done with one sheet, take it away and hand it in. Go to the next question. We are looking for individual answers, provocative, fresh, no limits. You have about 3 minutes per sheet.

Instruction minute takers

Put the answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Hit "enter" after each thought.

Instruction runner

Give people a clipboard with form(s) and pen ore prepare them all in the plenary on the chairs. After the exercise, collect the forms and hand them to the minute takers

Time needed

3 to 5 minutes per question

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

Great for getting individual answers from all participants. Brainform9 has nine fields.

Tutorial

The participants receive one or more forms - usually on a clipboard they can fill out, individually. Ideal seating: auditorium. Prepare a clipboard for all the participants with all forms in the same sequence. All participants answer the questions and hand over the results to the organizing team.

Instruction facilitator

Invite participants into the plenary. Make sure that everyone has clipboard, form(s) on them and pen. Explain the task

Instruction participants

You receive a clipboard with one or several sheets on it. The form has space for nine answers. Please answer the same question in nine different ways. We are interested in your very personal answers. When you have answered nine times, hand in the sheet. If there is another sheet on ylur clipboard, proceed to that one and do the same again. You have about 4 minutes time per sheet.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers as single items into the Idea Machine Engine, hitting "enter" after each key thought.

Instruction runner

Give the participants a clipboard with form(s) and a pen or prepare everything on the chairs in the plenary. When the exercise is finished hand the forms to the minute takers

Instruction photographer, videographer

Maybe a good moment for single shots or shots of the whole group

Time needed

8 to 12 minutes

When to use

Great towards the end of the amassing phase

Story

Imagine the most awesome headlines.

Tutorial

Let teams of two or three create the most imaginative headlines. Every team can create up to 5 headlines.

Instruction facilitator

Animate the participants to build interesting teams and to formulate visionary headlines.

Instruction participants

Here we have a stack of forms to create headlines. Form teams of 2-3 people and get several forms and then invent the most outrageous imaginary headlines based on the question. Teams who want to present one of their headlines can do so at the end of the exercise. Time: 6 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put each whole headline into the Idea Machine Engine. Hit "enter" after each headline

Instruction runner

Prepare headline forms (one for two participants) on a big table with pens. After each tasks or after the presentation, collect all the headlines and give them to the minute takers

Instruction community

support teams and animate them

Instruction photographer, videographer

Fotos of the presentation are interesting. No content details on the photos.

Time needed

8 to 15 minutes for two interviews combined

When to use

Only use the presentation part with groups below 20 people, as it will take too much time otherwise. If the group is bigger, maybe hand-pick 2-3 groups to present one thing.

Story

Braininterviews are an ideal icebreaker question before the workshop starts or when you want to give people time to get to know each other better.

Tutorial

Two participants who don't know each other team up. First one participant interviews the other participant. Then the participants change roles. You can, if you like invite the participants to present each other to all the participants.

Comments

Braininterviews are an ideal icebreaker question before the workshop starts or if you have a delay.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that people team up in teams of 2. Support with teambuilding. If the number of participants is uneven, ask someone of the organizing team to join the person.

Instruction participants

Look out for a person you do not know or do not know well and who looks interesting to you. Interview the person using the question on the sheet and write down all the answers. After 5 minutes (I will let you know when) you change the roles and the person who was interviewed now is the interviewer. Time: 10 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Hit "Enter" after each idea.

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipbaord with the vertically folded interview form and a pen. Calculate one set of material per 2 people, plus one in reserve. After the presentation collect the interview forms and hand them to the minute takers.

Instruction community

Help people finding an interview partner (ideally someone they don't know yet).

Instruction photographer, videographer

Ideal moment to capture conversations between the participants. Be discreet as to not disturb the flow between them.

Time needed

8 to 15 minutes for two interviews combined

When to use

Only use the presentation part with groups below 20 people, as it will take too much time otherwise. If the group is bigger, maybe hand-pick 2-3 groups to present one thing.

Story

Braininterviews are an ideal icebreaker question before the workshop starts or when you want to give people time to get to know each other better.

Tutorial

Two participants who don't know each other team up. First one participant interviews the other participant. Then the participants change roles. You can, if you like invite the participants to present each other to all the participants.

Comments

Braininterviews are an ideal icebreaker question before the workshop starts or if you have a delay.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that people team up in teams of 2. Support with teambuilding. If the number of participants is uneven, ask someone of the organizing team to join the person.

Instruction participants

Look out for a person you do not know or do not know well and who looks interesting to you. Interview the person using the question on the sheet and write down all the answers. After 5 minutes (I will let you know when) you change the roles and the person who was interviewed now is the interviewer. Time: 10 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Hit "Enter" after each idea.

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipbaord with the vertically folded interview form and a pen. Calculate one set of material per 2 people, plus one in reserve. After the presentation collect the interview forms and hand them to the minute takers.

Instruction community

Help people finding an interview partner (ideally someone they don't know yet).

Instruction photographer, videographer

Ideal moment to capture conversations between the participants. Be discreet as to not disturb the flow between them.

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes

When to use

In the later part of the amassing phase

Story

Teams of 4 to 6 people create an box describing with an imaginary product inside. Great to stimulate product features and pricing.

Tutorial

Provide pens in different colors and let the team create an amazing design. Teams can have between 4 and 6 participants.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the participants go into even distributed groups in the space. Inspire them to think out of the box.

Instruction participants

Go to a station. You find a empty box and pens. Create an ideal product. You have about 20 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Press enter after each single answer on the packaging.

Instruction runner

Prepare the sheets with the boxes before the exercise. After the exercise, make sure the photographer takes a picture of the works, and then hand all of them over to the minute takers

Instruction community

Support the participants. Monitor time. Make sure people the boxes get content and the team is not only discussing...

Instruction photographer, videographer

It's great to take pictures of the boxes in the making, including hands. No details of the ideas please. Take pictures of the finished works and place them in the content folder, using the question number

Time needed

8 to 15 minutes

When to use

Not at the very beginning, otherwise flexible

Story

Groups receive Lego bricks and a lego plate and create a piece of lego art based on the question, then the groups present their artwork.

Tutorial

There are different lego stations with a green base and a set of stones. The participants split into groups and answer the question using lego bricks. They also create descriptions of what they have created. If there is enough time available, all or a few groups can present their results.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure groups are even sized. Animate to play with the blocks to be inspired. Let one or more groups present, depending on your timing

Instruction participants

Go to one of the lego stations. Create solutions to the question using lego. Create written descriptions of what you have created so that others understand your artwork. Time: 15 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the different works (ideal moment is to listen in into the presentation if there is one) in the Idea Machine Engine. Describe single objects. Hit "enter" after each object.

Instruction runner

Prepare tables with lego and boards. After the exercise, arrange the works for the photographer, and after the pictures are taken, hand the masterpieces to the minute takers

Instruction community

Gently nudge participants who feel lost

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for detail motives with the lego bricks. Make sure to photograph all finished works and to put them into the content folder, using a subfolder with the task question

Time needed

3 to 5 Minutes

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

Participants answer one question which is on a form on a clipboard. Brainform1 has one answer field.

Tutorial

The participants receive one form - usually on a clipboard they can fill out, individually. Ideal seating: auditorium. Prepare a clipboard for all the participants. All participants answer the questions and hand over the results to the runners.

Instruction facilitator

Invite people into the plenary and make sure that everyone has all the materials they need. Explain the task

Instruction participants

You receive a clipboard with a form on it. Answer the question on your own. When you answered the question, turn around the board and give it to the runners. We are looking for your very individual, personal answers. Time: about 3 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Transfer the answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Make sure to hit enter after each entry (single keyword).

Instruction runner

Give participants a clipboard with pen and form or make sure everything is prepared in the plenary. After the exercise, collect the clipboards and hand the forms to the minute takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Might be a good moment for single shots or for shots of the full team

When to use

Great for a moment when participants present themselves to each other

Story

The participants present themselves with one personal idea they would like to share with everyone.

Tutorial

Participants create a drawing or description of an idea they would like to share with other participants. The results can be presented individually. Or alternatively snap a picture of each participant with their idea and make an exhibit that people can look at later (a sort of "silent presentation round")

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that everyone has filled in a form

Instruction participants

You get a cardboard and a pen and you can present your own very personal visionary idea. It is absolutely unimportant if your idea is actually feasible. We are looking for the crazy, daring, visionary. Time: 6 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the image or type the text in the Idea Machine Engine. Hit "enter" after each single idea

Instruction runner

Prepare a table with the forms and pens. After the task or after the presentation make sure the works are captured by the photographer, then hand them to the Minute Takers

Instruction community

Gently nudge and animate participants who seem a bit lost

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for single shots. Take picture of all the works, put them into the content folder, using a subfolder with the task number

Time needed

2 to 3 minutes per question

When to use

Not at the very beginning, otherwise flexible

Story

The participants create a now / tomorrow picture alone or in teams.

Tutorial

The participants get a clipboard with a form and a pen. They solve the task alone or in groups of two.

Instruction facilitator

It is important to explain the task well. We are looking for aspects of the whole topic. Describe the situation from "now" to "in the future". Make sure that people know that ideas can be completely out of the box, visionary. One aspect can be treated several times

Instruction participants

You get forms on a clipboard. Each form has two sides, one for the now and one for the future (today/tomorrow). Answer the question from both perspectives (now / future). Repeat as long as time runs. Time: 6 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers in the Idea Machine engine using "now: ..." and "in the future..." as entry word. Hit enter after each pair.

Instruction runner

Give participants a clipboard with pen and form or prepare everything in the plenary. After the task collect all forms and hand them to the minute taker.

Instruction community

Gently nudge participants who seem a bit lost.

Instruction photographer, videographer

People writing. No contents in the "public" folder

Time needed

3 to 5 minutes per station

When to use

Not at the very beginning, otherwise flexible

Story

An object is lying on a poster, covered by a glass sphere. The participants reflect about the properties of the object and write down their observations on answer sheets.

Tutorial

There are different stations in the space. At each station there is a poster with an object, ideally protected by a glass sphere and lit for effect. There are also sheets for answers and an ideabox. The participants let themselves be inspired by the object and write down answers around the properties of the objects and throw the answer sheets into the idea box. This is a free flow exercise, people can spend time at all stations.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all the stations are explained. What can be found where? Make sure that people know that each station has it's own form to be used

Instruction participants

There are different objects distributed in this space. Go to an object you find interesting. Try to project yourself into the future. Get rid of all the ideas you already know. Just focus on the question and answer it on the little slips near the station (just use the slips near this station). Write down everything visionary that comes to mind. Move from station to station.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers (single entry) for each object in the Idea Machine Engine, pressing "enter" after each entry.

Instruction runner

Prepare a separate station for each object. Poster, object, maybe a glass orb to cover it, maybe lighting. Forms for the ideas. Make sure that each station has the right forms and that they stay there. One box near each object.

Instruction techie

Setup LED lights for the objects and remove after usage

Instruction community

Animate to change the station if people are passive.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Ideal for detail shots of people and objects.

Time needed

8 to 16 minutes

Story

A great tool in the advanced stage of a workshop. Allows self organisation in small teams. Provides high quality.

Tutorial

Place nice questions - you will get the same question multiple times - which require some reflection, on a wall. Let teams of 1, 2 or 3 self compose and select a question the team would like to answer. Have them answer the question, place the results in the response bin and pick another question. Stop the exercise when all questions are picked or when the time is over.

Instruction facilitator

Free flow - people are picking questions alone or in pairs, answer them and put them in the box.

Instruction participants

There are different questions on the wall, Look at the question and pick one you like. Answer it, without thinking too much, and place the form in the idea box. Then go and pick the next question. If you like you can also team up with someone.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers in the Idea Machine Engine. Careful, they look very much the same but are different, make sure to enter them at the right number.

Instruction runner

Put all the BrainPicking forms up to a wall or to a window front with removable scotch tape. You might need help if time is tight (runner, community person). The forms should be mixed, so you can just hang them up in a mixed way. Put up 2-3 Idea Boxes so that participants can deposit the filled-in forms in there. After the task empty the boxes and give them to the minute takers in a sorted way (per code on the lower right side of the form)

Instruction community

Animate to pick questions

Instruction photographer, videographer

Nice shots are when people are picking questions, details of hands. Details can be seen in the pictures, no problem.

Time needed

3 minutes

When to use

any time

Story

BrainPostIt is a Brainstorming in which all participants write down their answers to the question on postIts.

Tutorial

The participants get a clipbpard with e pen and five empty postIts. The facilitator asks a simple question and the participants write down single answers on postIts. Runners hand out more postIts to people who want to give more than 5 answers. All postIts are stuck to a window or a wall.

Instruction facilitator

Animate to write down many ideas, one idea per postit, make sure people know that the runners have more postits.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard you find empty postIts. Polease write down all the answers to my next question on postIts. One answer per postIt. If you need more postIts: just say so.

Instruction minute takers

Take pictures of the wall or window with all the postits, and then capture the single items (with "enter" in the Engine)

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipboard with 5 to 10 postits each and a pen. If people are not putting the postits up regularly go to them and collect them. Make sure a minute taker or the photograoher photographs the wall so it can be processed by the minute takers

Instruction photographer, videographer

Picture of the wall when all postits are on it for the minute takers. Details, people with the postits etc.

Time needed

15 to 30 minutes

When to use

Second part of amassing

Story

A great way to create a first plan related to a question with 10 items.

Tutorial

Encourage the team to split up in groups of 4 to 6 participants and hand a presentation poster out to all participants. Let them work on their presentation. You might want to include a presentation of every team or the teams that would like to present their results.

Instruction facilitator

Group size 2-4 people. Free composition of groups

Instruction participants

Form teams of 4 to 6 people and prepare a presentation with a 10 point plan. Each team can go to wherever they want in the space. The activitites on the plan can and should be cheeky, fresh, light. Some groups (only those who want to) will be able to present their plan. Time: 20 minutes.

Time needed

2 to 3 minutes per question

When to use

Not at the very beginning, otherwise flexible

Story

The participants create a now / tomorrow picture alone or in teams.

Tutorial

The participants get a clipboard with a form and a pen. They solve the task alone or in groups of two.

Instruction facilitator

It is important to explain the task well. We are looking for aspects of the whole topic. Describe the situation from "now" to "in the future". Make sure that people know that ideas can be completely out of the box, visionary. One aspect can be treated several times

Instruction participants

You get forms on a clipboard. Each form has two sides, one for the now and one for the future (today/tomorrow). Answer the question from both perspectives (now / future). Repeat as long as time runs. Time: 6 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers in the Idea Machine engine using "now: ..." and "in the future..." as entry word. Hit enter after each pair.

Instruction runner

Give participants a clipboard with pen and form or prepare everything in the plenary. After the task collect all forms and hand them to the minute taker.

Instruction community

Gently nudge participants who seem a bit lost.

Instruction photographer, videographer

People writing. No contents in the "public" folder

Story

The participants get the chance to ask all their questions to a topic.

Tutorial

This task is performed during a presentation, for instance when the customer introduces is company or product. During the presentation participants write down all their questions, one question per sheet. After the presentation they get a little extra time to finish the exercise.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that all the participants have a clipboard with questions and pen. During the presentation maybe ask for short breaks in between so the participants have time to note their questions, and at the end provide some more minutes to finish the exercise.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard there is a form where you can note all the questions that come to you during the next presentation. Write down all questions that come to your mind, there is no stupid question! Time: 1 minute (after the exercise)

Instruction runner

Prepare the question sheets.

Time needed

20 to 30 minutes

When to use

Before a break or as a way of re-activating tired participants

Story

Excellent to increase adrenalin levels during a workshop and to allow the participants to get some fresh air. The aim of BrainRace is to fill in as many race forms as possible and to run a parcours.

Tutorial

The question forms are printed (non collated). Every participant receives a clipboard with one form. The participant provides the answers and when done runs a short course. When the participants returns he takes the next sheet from the form pile and fills in the fields. Participants keep their sheets. The participant with most sheets wins a prize.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure the participants understand the exercise. Make sure it is fair, no jumpstarts, no filling in of forms at the end. Only one form at the time. Make sure participants know that the questions will change during the exercise.

Instruction participants

You will now receive a clipboard with a sheet and a pen. On the table there are more forms. Back there is the post to collect one point. The race is run like this: "ready, steady, go!". Write three answers on the form. Run the parcours to the post, then come back, get a new form. Run again etc. Who has most sheets on his or her clipboard at the end of the race wins a prize. Duration: 10 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all ideas as single entry into the Idea Machine Engine

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipboars with pen and a race form. Put up more forms on additional tables. If outside, put weights on the forms so they do not fly away. After the race and the prize ceremony make sure to collect all forms and to hand them to the minute takers.

Instruction community

Be a cheerleader for the participants!

Instruction photographer, videographer

Best chance for great pics. Different positions, different apertures. Bursts with continuous focus. Make sure that everyone is at least on one picture.

Time needed

20 to 30 minutes

When to use

Before a break or as a way of re-activating tired participants

Story

Excellent to increase adrenalin levels during a workshop and to allow the participants to get some fresh air. The aim of BrainRace is to fill in as many race forms as possible and to run a parcours.

Tutorial

The question forms are printed (non collated). Every participant receives a clipboard with one form. The participant provides the answers and when done runs a short course. When the participants returns he takes the next sheet from the form pile and fills in the fields. Participants keep their sheets. The participant with most sheets wins a prize.

Comments

Excellent to increase adrenalin levels during a workshop and to allow the participants to get some fresh air.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure the participants understand the exercise. Make sure it is fair, no jumpstarts, no filling in of forms at the end. Only one form at the time. Make sure participants know that the questions will change during the exercise.

Instruction participants

You will now receive a clipboard with a sheet and a pen. On the table there are more forms. Back there is the post to collect one point. The race is run like this: "ready, steady, go!". Write five answers on the form. Run the parcours to the post, then come back, get a new form. Run again etc. Who has most sheets on his or her clipboard at the end of the race wins a prize. Duration: 10 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers (with "enter" after each keyword) into the Idea Machine Engine

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipboard with pen and brainrace form. Prepare more forms on tables. Give the prize(s) to the facilitator. Put weights onto the papers in case there is wind. Collect the papers from each participant and give them to the minute takers

Instruction community

Be a cheerleader for the participants

Instruction photographer, videographer

Best moment for great pictures. Different positions, aperture. Burst function with continuous focus recommended. Make sure each person is on a picture at least once.

Time needed

8 to 12 minutes

When to use

Can be used any time

Story

This tool is ideal if you are looking for names for products, services or organisations

Tutorial

You need lots of scrabble letters or bananagram letters, distributed to different stations, as well as forms to put the names onto. The participants spread out to the stations and create names (words) with the scrabble letters and then transfer their solutions onto the paper

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that people go to the different stations and use the scrabble letters to create words based on your question

Instruction participants

On the tables in the space are tables with scrabble letters. Go to the tables and create all kinds of interesting words with the letters based on the question I ask you. Write all your words down on the form on the table. Time: About 8 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the idea machine, hit "enter" after each word

Instruction runner

Prepare an adequate number of stations. After the task, put all the letters back into the box and hand the forms to the minute takers

Instruction community

Animate the participants to write down words even if they do not make sense yet.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Nice details, hands with scrabble letters etc.

Time needed

6 to 12 minutes

Story

BrainSeasons is an XXL brainstorming poster on which participants can add cards to.

Tutorial

Plot the poster or get a roll of paper (e.g. packaging paper, wrapping paper, plotter paper and stick the question in the middle. All participants answer the same question at the same time.

Comments

If you can't plot the poster you can simply hang up a long paper sheet, e.g. from a roll and stick the question on the paper.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that everyone participates.

Instruction participants

Look at this large poster here. On the table in front of it, there are question cards. Create solutions and glue them to the wall. You can also comment or expand on ideas that are already on the poster.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine engine. After each keyword press "enter". It is best if you sit in front of the wall or if you take pictures of it and capture the content from the photos

Instruction runner

Hang up the Brainwall with help. Careful with delicate walls, put additional flipcharts underneath it and check with the pens After the exercise is finished write the time segment unto all answer questions. Make sure a picture of the wall is taken. Take the forms down, bring them into order and hand them to the minute takers

Instruction community

motivate reluctant participants to join in

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes plus time for presentation

When to use

Not as a first task as people are inhibited in the beginning

Story

Stimulate the brain with Play-Doh.

Tutorial

Split the team into groups of 4 to 6 participants. Hand out the form and a clipboard to all the teams together with about 5 units of Play-Doh and about 10 little flags. The team creates 3D ideas and uses the flags to indicate the description of their ideas.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure the groups are about the same size. Animate the participants to use the playdoh. Make sure that they do not only create objects but also create legends that explain what they represent so that others can also understand the artworks.

Instruction participants

On the tables in the space there is play-doh. This task is all about creating objects. Make objects based on the question and then describe the objects on the base. Time. 15 minutes approximately.

Instruction minute takers

Describe the works (best during the presentation if there is one) in the Idea Machine. Hit enter after each object description

Instruction runner

Prepare the material at each station. After the task: Prepare the objects for the photographer, and once they have been photographed, hand the objects to the minute takers

Instruction community

Animate the participants to just get started with the playdoh and not to think too much

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for mood pics. Use different perspectives, from above, from the side, go close,go far away. Take pictures of all the objects and put them into the content folder using the subfolder with the right question number

Time needed

10 to 15 minutes

When to use

In the later part of the amassing phase

Story

Teams of 4 to 6 people create ideas, which are brought back from the future in a spaceship.

Tutorial

Provide design tools to the team and let the team create an amazing design. Cool design tools are: colored pens, photos, glue, scissors.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the participants go into even distributed groups in the space. Inspire them to work with the material.

Instruction participants

Form teams - reflect - design.

Instruction minute takers

Put all answers into the Idea Machine Engine. Press Enter after every single answer.

Instruction runner

Prepare the material before the exercise. After the exercise, make sure the photographer takes a picture of all the works, and then hand all of them over to the minute takers

Instruction community

Support the participants. Monitor time. Make sure people note all the ideas instead of just discussing them.

Instruction photographer, videographer

It's great to take pictures of the works in the making, including hands. No details of the ideas, please. Take pictures of the finished works and place them in the content folder, using the question number

Time needed

3 minutes per interview. Ideal about 6 interviews

When to use

any time

Story

During Speeddating participants interview each other about tricky question and then move to the next person and next question.

Tutorial

Arrange a very long table, place chairs on both sides. Place the forms on one side. Split the participants into two teams. One team are the interviewers, one team are the interviewees. Every participant now takes a seat. The interviewers now interview the interviewees. And write answers on the sheets. After a few minutes the interviewees rotate by one position. The interviewers stay seated. The person on the last position moves to the first position. (Rotation happens approximately every 3 minutes).

Instruction facilitator

Make sure rotation happens smoothly. If there is an uneven number of people, ask someone from the organizing team to join the exercise.

Instruction participants

Would you like to interview someone or rather be interviewed? During speed dating the people who are interviewed rotated every three minutes. The people doing the interview have one page per interview with a question. Ask the question, note the answers. Make sure to investigate deeper if you want to know more! After three minutes, you will get a new interview partner. Time: 15 minutes total.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine Engine, hitting "enter" after each entry.

Instruction runner

Prepare a long table row. Prepare all the clipboards with the right number of interview forms. Distribute the forms as follows: Board 1, question 1 until n (n = number of interviews). Board 2, n + 1 until the last question and then start with question 1. Board 3. Etc. (Why: This makes sure that all questions are asked no matter how fast the interviews go). Put the card "I want to ask questions" and "I want to answer questions" visibly to the front of the table

Instruction techie

Play the jingle when it's time to rotate: www.brainstore.com/sounds

Instruction community

Make sure there is good rotation, especially back to the first set. If there is an uneven number of participants just ask someone from the organizing team to join the participants.

Instruction photographer, videographer

best for total picture. Also details from the side or front to table.

Time needed

5 Minutes

When to use

Ideal as an ice-breaker during checkin

Story

Participants provide a one sentence statement to a general question.

Tutorial

The participants receive a large cardboard and provide a provocative statement. Then the participants and the statement are photographed.

Instruction facilitator

Explain the task and make sure all participants receive the board and move to the photo station.

Instruction participants

Take a cardboard and

Instruction minute takers

Attention please. On these forms there are two separate questions (see codes). Ideally one minute-taker captures to first answers and another minute-taker the second answers. This way you don't need to switch questions while processing. Make sure to hit enter after each entry (single keyword).

Instruction runner

Make sure the right forms are at the right stations. Sort die responses from the idea-boxes and bring them to the minute-takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Might be a good moment for single shots or for shots of the full team

Time needed

5 Minutes

When to use

Ideal as an ice-breaker during checkin

Story

Participants provide a one sentence statement to a general question.

Tutorial

The participants receive a large cardboard and provide a provocative statement. Then the participants and the statement are photographed.

Instruction facilitator

Explain the task and make sure all participants receive the board and move to the photo station.

Instruction participants

Take a cardboard and

Instruction minute takers

Attention please. On these forms there are two separate questions (see codes). Ideally one minute-taker captures to first answers and another minute-taker the second answers. This way you don't need to switch questions while processing. Make sure to hit enter after each entry (single keyword).

Instruction runner

Make sure the right forms are at the right stations. Sort die responses from the idea-boxes and bring them to the minute-takers.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Might be a good moment for single shots or for shots of the full team

When to use

Best as icebreaker at the very beginning. Creates flow and shows people that they can generate lots of ideas

Story

The BrainStation is an ideal icebreaker tool for your workshops. It's great to use this tool to look at the topic from different target perspectives viewpoints. Music helps people to get into creative mode

Tutorial

4 to 9 stations are equipped with a questions. Group splits up evenly to every station. Every station has a different question. A nice selection of music (loud enough to avoid conversations…) stimulates the team. Participants rotate clockwise from station to station.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the station cards are ready and are distributed well among the participants. Make sure that people find their stations. Make sure they know that this exercise is about quantity. Remind them to write in a legible way.

Instruction participants

All participants now receive a station card. Everywhere in the room are stations, in clockwise order. Go to the station with your number. When the music starts playing, start answering the question. Everything is allowed, also silly things :-) the more answers, the better. When the music stops, move to the station with the next higher number.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine Engine, hitting "enter" after each entry. Take a picture of each poster for easier capturing

Instruction runner

Hang up the station posters in clockwise order (form a logical parcours through the space.). Careful with delicate walls, use removable tape and also test with pen. Maybe use additional flipchart as base. Prepare station cards and pens for participants. Hand cards to participants (if there are more than 8 stations indicate 6 and 9). Hand the posters with answers to minute takers in a sorted fashion (all numbers 1, 2, 3 etc together)

Instruction techie

Load playlist to device (no adds please). Check sound. Interact with facilitator for change of sound. Adjust volume to taste of facilitator.

Instruction community

Make sure the participants go to the right station. Help with the rotation, especially from last station to first.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Good chance for mood pics. Try different positions. Details of questions and writers. Take a picture of each poster as well and put it into the folder with the right question number in the content folder

Time needed

3 - 6 Minutes

When to use

Use with experienced team or in the second part of the amassing phase.

Story

An ideal tool once the flow of the team is high and everyone is feeling pumped. Can be very productive, can be very boring.

Tutorial

Explain the brainstorming rules to the team. Say anything which goes through your mind, can be disconnected from the topic, even illegal or immoral. Don't criticise! The more the better, the wilder the better.

Instruction facilitator

Explain the rules well. Say everything. I will only write down what I understand. Do not worry if you say something that we already have written down. No criticism. Everything is allowed.

Instruction participants

During the Brainstorming the goal is to say anything that comes to mind based on a question. Any , really any anwswer is allowed. We will write everything down so everyone can see it. No criticism! the more the better. Time 3 to 6 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Capture live. After each contribution, hit "enter"

Instruction runner

If the brainstorming is captured on flipchart, hand it to the minute takers

Time needed

6 to 12 minutes

When to use

Best in the second part of amassing

Story

This tool lets you create a story board e.g. for a clip or a process.

Tutorial

Print out the form and let the team design a video clip or a story board. Can also be used to describe processes.

Instruction facilitator

Participants can feel a bit inhibited at the beginning. Do help them to loose the tension.

Instruction participants

Build groups of 2-4 participants and create a story related to the question. Draw them into the fields provided. Groups who want can present their story after the exercise. Let your imagination run free! Time: 10 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put the whole story into the idea machine. Number the fields (1: content, 2: content) etc.

Instruction runner

Prepare story forms and pens on the tables. After finishing: Make sure the photographer takes a picture of each, then hand to minute takers

Instruction community

nudge discussion discreetly if necessary

Instruction photographer, videographer

Mood pictures if the mood is right :-)

Time needed

3 minutes

When to use

any time

Story

BrainPostIt is a Brainstorming in which all participants write down their answers to the question on postIts.

Tutorial

The participants get a clipbpard with e pen and five empty postIts. The facilitator asks a simple question and the participants write down single answers on postIts. Runners hand out more postIts to people who want to give more than 5 answers. All postIts are stuck to a window or a wall.

Instruction facilitator

Animate to write down many ideas, one idea per postit, make sure people know that the runners have more postits.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard you find empty postIts. Polease write down all the answers to my next question on postIts. One answer per postIt. If you need more postIts: just say so.

Instruction minute takers

Take pictures of the wall or window with all the postits, and then capture the single items (with "enter" in the Engine)

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipboard with 5 to 10 postits each and a pen. If people are not putting the postits up regularly go to them and collect them. Make sure a minute taker or the photograoher photographs the wall so it can be processed by the minute takers

Instruction photographer, videographer

Picture of the wall when all postits are on it for the minute takers. Details, people with the postits etc.

Time needed

3 minutes

When to use

any time

Story

BrainPostIt is a Brainstorming in which all participants write down their answers to the question on postIts.

Tutorial

The participants get a clipbpard with e pen and five empty postIts. The facilitator asks a simple question and the participants write down single answers on postIts. Runners hand out more postIts to people who want to give more than 5 answers. All postIts are stuck to a window or a wall.

Instruction facilitator

Animate to write down many ideas, one idea per postit, make sure people know that the runners have more postits.

Instruction participants

On your clipboard you find empty postIts. Polease write down all the answers to my next question on postIts. One answer per postIt. If you need more postIts: just say so.

Instruction minute takers

Take pictures of the wall or window with all the postits, and then capture the single items (with "enter" in the Engine)

Instruction runner

Prepare a clipboard with 5 to 10 postits each and a pen. If people are not putting the postits up regularly go to them and collect them. Make sure a minute taker or the photograoher photographs the wall so it can be processed by the minute takers

Instruction photographer, videographer

Picture of the wall when all postits are on it for the minute takers. Details, people with the postits etc.

Story

The timeline is a huge poster with a timeline into which people can write ideas related to a specific time on the whole timeline.

Tutorial

The participants write down ideas related to the question on the timeline form. They can also create images or drawings and glue them onto the timeline.

Instruction facilitator

Explain the timeline to participants and tell them about the different segments. Tell them to place ideas in different time segments and to create either drawings, collages or just writing, depending on their preference. The goal is to have a very full, very colorful timeline. Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Instruction participants

On the wall (or on the floor) there is a large timeline. On the table (or on the floor) in front of it there are cards with questions as well as materials to create drawings of collages. Time: About 15 minutes.

Instruction minute takers

Put the time line information together with the content. eg. "2050: content" etc.

Instruction runner

Hang up the timeline (with help). Careful with delicate walls, use additonal flipcharts as base if necessary. After the timeline exercise: Make sure a picture is taken.

Instruction community

Motivate inhibited participants to join in

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for mood pictures. Make sure to also photograph each poster and to put the images into the content folder, under the right question number (subfolder)

Time needed

6 to 12 minutes

Story

BrainTwentyfourHours is an XXL brainstorming poster on which participants can add cards to.

Tutorial

Plot the poster or get a roll of paper (e.g. packaging paper, wrapping paper, plotter paper and stick the question in the middle. All participants answer the same question at the same time.

Comments

If you can't plot the poster you can simply hang up a long paper sheet, e.g. from a roll and stick the question on the paper.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that everyone participates.

Instruction participants

Look at this large poster here. On the table in front of it, there are question cards. Create solutions and stick them to the wall.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers into the Idea Machine engine. After each keyword press "enter". It is best if you sit in front of the wall or if you take pictures of it and capture the content from the photos. Make sure you add the time to the answer.

Instruction runner

Hang up the poster with help. Careful with delicate walls, put additional flipcharts underneath it and check with the pens After the exercise is finished write the time segment unto all answer questions. Make sure a picture of the wall is taken. Take the forms down, bring them into order and hand them to the minute takers

Instruction community

Motivate reluctant participants to join in

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for nice pictures.

Time needed

12 to 20 minutes

Story

Brainwall is an XXL brainstorming poster on which participants can write freely.

Tutorial

Get a roll of paper (e.g. packaging paper, wrapping paper, plotter paper and stick the question in the middle. All participants answer the same question at the same time.

Comments

If you can't plot the wall, you can simply hang up a long paper sheet, e.g. from a roll and stick the question on the paper.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that everyone partipates.

Instruction participants

Look at this large poster here. On the table in front of it there are question cards. Create solutions and glue them to the wall. You can also comment or expand on ideas that are already on the poster.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine engine. After each keyword press "enter". It is best if you sit in front of the wall or if you take pictures of it and capture the content from the photos

Instruction runner

Hang up the Brainwall with help. Careful with delicate walls, put additional flipcharts underneath it and check with the pens After the exercise is finished write the time segment unto all answer questions. Make sure a picture of the wall is taken. Take the forms down, bring them into order and hand them to the minute takers

Instruction community

motivate reluctant participants to join in

Time needed

6 to 12 minutes

Story

BrainWeekeday is an XXL brainstorming poster on which participants can add cards to.

Tutorial

Plot the poster or get a roll of paper (e.g. packaging paper, wrapping paper, plotter paper and stick the question in the middle. All participants answer the same question at the same time.

Comments

If you can't plot the poster you can simply hang up a long paper sheet, e.g. from a roll and stick the question on the paper.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that everyone participates.

Instruction participants

Look at this large poster here. On the table in front of it, there are question cards. Create solutions and stick them to the wall.

Instruction minute takers

Capture all the answers into the Idea Machine engine. After each keyword press "enter". It is best if you sit in front of the wall or if you take pictures of it and capture the content from the photos. Make sure you add the weekday to the beginning of the answer.

Instruction runner

Hang up the poster with help. Careful with delicate walls, put additional flipcharts underneath it and check with the pens After the exercise is finished write the time segment unto all answer questions. Make sure a picture of the wall is taken. Take the forms down, bring them into order and hand them to the minute takers

Instruction community

Motivate reluctant participants to join in

Instruction photographer, videographer

Great for nice pictures.

When to use

Best as icebreaker at the very beginning. Creates flow and shows people that they can generate lots of ideas

Story

The BrainStation is an ideal icebreaker tool for your workshops. It's great to use this tool to look at the topic from different target perspectives viewpoints. Music helps people to get into creative mode

Tutorial

4 to 9 stations are equipped with a questions. Group splits up evenly to every station. Every station has a different question. A nice selection of music (loud enough to avoid conversations…) stimulates the team. Participants rotate clockwise from station to station.

Instruction facilitator

Make sure that the station cards are ready and are distributed well among the participants. Make sure that people find their stations. Make sure they know that this exercise is about quantity. Remind them to write in a legible way.

Instruction participants

All participants now receive a station card. Everywhere in the room are stations, in clockwise order. Go to the station with your number. When the music starts playing, start answering the question. Everything is allowed, also silly things :-) the more answers, the better. When the music stops, move to the station with the next higher number.

Instruction minute takers

Put all the answers into the Idea Machine Engine, hitting "enter" after each entry. Take a picture of each poster for easier capturing

Instruction runner

Hang up the station posters in clockwise order (form a logical parcours through the space.). Careful with delicate walls, use removable tape and also test with pen. Maybe use additional flipchart as base. Prepare station cards and pens for participants. Hand cards to participants (if there are more than 8 stations indicate 6 and 9). Hand the posters with answers to minute takers in a sorted fashion (all numbers 1, 2, 3 etc together)

Instruction techie

Load playlist to device (no adds please). Check sound. Interact with facilitator for change of sound. Adjust volume to taste of facilitator.

Instruction community

Make sure the participants go to the right station. Help with the rotation, especially from last station to first.

Instruction photographer, videographer

Good chance for mood pics. Try different positions. Details of questions and writers. Take a picture of each poster as well and put it into the folder with the right question number in the content folder