IDEO

IDEO - Crazy 8's

Crazy 8s is a rapid sketching exercise. Participants generate eight ideas in eight minutes. This constraint forces quick ideation, bypassing perfectionism, and producing many diverse concepts. It pushes teams beyond obvious solutions into creative territory through time pressure and iteration.

Duration
30 mins
Group Size
3-20
Category
IDEO
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Generate many ideas quickly, focusing on quantity.

  • Break mental barriers using time pressure to overcome perfectionism.

  • Ideate individually before group discussion.

  • Explore multiple solution approaches.

  • Build creative confidence by generating ideas under constraints.

  • Energize teams for the broader design process.

Participants will produce:

  • Crazy 8s sketches.

  • Rapid concept generation.

  • A high volume of ideas.

To boost energy, play upbeat music. Use an enthusiastic countdown and celebrate quantity. If anyone erases, give them a bonus challenge. Model imperfect sketching. For resisters: "You're thinking with a pen!" or "The stupidest ideas spark the best solutions."\n\nAdapt to cultural contexts. In high-context cultures, allow more setup time for relationship building. In hierarchical organizations, state that all ideas are equal. With international teams, provide visual examples of sketching styles. For remote facilitation, test tools beforehand. Use breakout rooms and create digital "sketch walls."

  1. Pre-Exercise Setup (5 minutes)


  • Frame the challenge with a "How Might We" statement, displayed visibly.

  • Ensure everyone understands the problem.

  • Example: "How might we help busy parents meal plan more effectively?"


  1. Material Distribution


  • Give each participant paper folded into eight sections or a template.

  • Distribute thick markers only.

  • Test the timer.


  1. Rule Setting


  • Crazy 8s Rules:

  • One idea per box (eight total).

  • Rough sketches and words are okay.

  • Build on previous ideas.

  • Quantity over quality.

  • No erasing or perfecting.

  • No talking during sketching.

  • No judging your own ideas.


  1. Main Exercise (8 minutes)


  • Minutes 1-4: Initial Ideas

  • Start the timer: "Go! First idea, top left box!"

  • Call out each minute.

  • Monitor energy, encouraging speed.

  • Minutes 5-8: Iteration & Building

  • "Build on your earlier ideas or go completely different!"

  • "Push beyond the obvious."

  • "Last two minutes - get wild!"


  1. Immediate Debrief (3 minutes)


  • Quick Individual Reflection:

  • Circle your favorite idea.

  • Star the most feasible idea.

  • Put a question mark on the most curious idea.


  1. Sharing Round (8-15 minutes)


  • Individual Presentations (1-2 minutes each):

  • "Show your favorite idea and explain it in 30 seconds."

  • "What surprised you about your own ideas?"

  • "Which idea felt most uncomfortable or risky?"


  1. Alternative Sharing Methods


  • Gallery Walk: Post all sheets for silent review with sticky notes.

  • Idea Dating: Participants rotate and explain ideas.

  • Highlight Reel: Each person shares their most unusual idea.

  • Build-On Session: Others add sketches to presented ideas.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

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  • Large sheets of paper (A3/11x17) folded into 8 sections or pre-printed templates

  • Thick black markers

  • Timer with audible alarm

  • Wall space for posting sketches

  • Sticky dots (optional)

  • Digital whiteboard (Miro, Mural, Figma FigJam)

  • Prepared Crazy 8s templates

  • Breakout rooms for individual work (remote teams)

  • Screen sharing capability

Unlock Materials Required

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