Ideation/Creativity

Storyboarding

Create comic strip-style stories to visualize user scenarios. Each storyboard shows user context, problem, solution interaction, and outcome in 6-8 panels. Prioritize storytelling over artistic quality.

Duration
45 mins
Group Size
3-6
Category
Ideation/Creativity
Difficulty
Easy
Visualize solutions within the user's context. Think through the end-to-end experience. Communicate ideas visually and identify gaps in the user flow.
Completed storyboard and visual narrative that communicates concepts.
Artistic skill isn't important; stick figures work. Focus on the narrative and user experience. Each panel should advance the story. Show the user's environment, not just the product. Include emotions and reactions. A common mistake is focusing on product features rather than the user's story. The storyboard shows ONE scenario, not all use cases. Use after the concept is somewhat defined but before detailed design. Storyboarding can reveal gaps in understanding the user's context. Sometimes participants struggle to avoid making every panel about the product itself; remind them to focus on the user's journey.

  1. Story Planning (8 minutes): Choose a scenario and persona. Define the beginning, middle, and end. Identify key moments and plan 6-8 panels to outline the narrative arc.

  2. Panel Sketching (25 minutes): Create an 8-panel grid. Dedicate 3-4 minutes to each panel. Panels 1-2: Context and problem/need. Panels 3-4: Discovery and decision. Panels 5-6: Interaction with the solution. Panels 7-8: Outcome and result. Use stick figures and simple shapes. Add speech bubbles or captions. Show the environment, not just the product.

  3. Sharing & Feedback (7 minutes): Present storyboards (1-2 minutes each). Walk through the narrative panel by panel. Explain user motivations and actions. Discuss successes and gaps. Capture insights about the experience.

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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

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  • 8-panel storyboard templates

  • Markers

  • Persona descriptions

  • Scenario descriptions

  • Wall space

  • Example storyboards (optional)

  • Speech bubble templates (optional)

  • Storyboard annotation guides (optional)

  • Context photos (optional)

  • Sticky notes (optional)

Unlock Materials Required

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  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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