Ideation/Creativity

Four-Step Sketch

This exercise guides participants to create solution sketches through focused stages: notes, ideas, Crazy 8s, and a final sketch. It helps move beyond initial ideas to develop detailed, testable solutions.

Duration
1.2 hours
Group Size
4-8
Category
Ideation/Creativity
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will: Generate diverse ideas rapidly. Explore solutions beyond the obvious. Develop detailed, testable concepts. Ensure all voices are heard.
Participants will produce a four-step solution sketch, resulting in structured concept development and a clear visualization of their ideas.
Enforce silence during all four steps. This prevents groupthink and encourages diverse ideas. These steps work because: Notes prime the brain. Idea generation allows exploration. Crazy 8s push past initial solutions. Solution sketches develop ideas with detail. Stick figures are fine; clarity matters more than artistic skill. Success means everyone produces at least one solution sketch that tells a story and addresses the sprint target. Sometimes, participants struggle with Crazy 8s. Encourage them to keep sketching, even if ideas seem silly.

  1. Notes (20 minutes): Review the sprint work on display. Re-examine the target, map, sprint questions, and 'How Might We' notes. Take individual notes on interesting elements. Work silently.

  2. Ideas (20 minutes): Jot down rough ideas without concern for quality. Doodle, write, and draw diagrams. Aim for 10-20 ideas, building on the notes from Step 1.

  3. Crazy 8s (8 minutes): Fold a paper into eight panels. In each panel, sketch a variation of your strongest idea (one minute per panel). Push to explore eight different angles. Work quickly; the time pressure boosts creativity.

  4. Solution Sketch (30 minutes): Create a detailed, three-panel storyboard that shows the idea as a customer experience. Use a Sharpie for clarity. Include enough detail for anyone to understand the concept. Give the sketch a title.

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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 sticky notes or printer paper

  • Sharpie markers or thick pens

  • Regular paper for notes and ideas

  • Timer

Unlock Materials Required

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