Facilitation Technique Number 9: Ideatoons

 

The process of using visual thinking rather than verbal thinking. This technique attempts to free thinking patterns by using pictures instead of words. Unlike storyboarding, which uses pictures to represent activities and processes, this approach focuses mostly on characteristics, attributes, emotions, observations. It seeks to establish new mental patterns by seeking new or different links or relationships among the various attributes.

 

Often groups will draw a group of cards and then work to rearrange them into a different pattern or arrangement. This often will create new ideas or solutions. Remember - the pictures themselves are not the objective of this exercise. The pictures may be only the basis for coming up with a new idea or solution. This is not a exercise in trying to 'get the cards right' - it's a seeking of stimulus for new ideas.

 

How it Works:

  1. The key problem/opportunity is articulated.

  2. All known attributes of the problems are identified.

  3. For each attribute, a picture is drawn.

  4. All pictures are placed on a working surface such as a table or wall.

  5. The pictures are then rearranged, linked or separated.

  6. Associations are made.

  7. Once completed, articulate a solution based upon the rearranged pictures.

 

Example

·         This technique is shown best through the presentation of a problem.

·         A group of foreign suppliers are visiting your office. They speak no English. They have come to meet with you to solve a critical problem which involves your organization and theirs. Unfortunately, the person assigned as translator caught the flu and missed the airplane flight.

·         The problem is as follows: The design of the WIZMO, your company's prime product, is an irregular size and will not fit into standardized shipping boxes. As a result, the shipments will not fit into standardized containers for shipping via industry oceangoing ships. The containers must be hand packed and therefore extra costs and time are incurred. A solution is needed.

·         Can you solve this problem via Ideatoons? Where would you start?

·         These are the types of problems that can be addressed with this technique.

 

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