Introduction
Every design thinking session requires an engaging start to set the tone for innovative ideation and collaboration. This is where icebreakers come in handy. But, what are the best icebreakers that truly ignite a design thinking session? Let’s delve into that.
The Importance of Icebreakers
Building Trust
The starting point of any productive design thinking session is building trust among participants. Icebreakers create a safe environment for sharing, sparking a sense of unity and camaraderie. Remember the first time you had to introduce yourself in a new group? How did it make you feel?
Facilitating Collaboration
Icebreakers also encourage active participation and set the groundwork for seamless collaboration. They are like the appetisers that prepare you for the main course, tantalising your tastebuds for what’s to come.
Sparking Creativity
Lastly, well-curated icebreakers can light the creative spark that design thinking thrives on. They prime the brain for out-of-the-box thinking and help shake off any lingering conventional thought patterns.
5 Powerful Icebreakers The ‘Quick Fire’ Icebreaker
How it Works
Each participant is asked a rapid-fire series of questions which they must answer without overthinking. It can range from “What’s your favourite colour?” to “What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?”
Why it Works
The ‘Quick Fire’ icebreaker effectively lowers guards and fosters a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the speed fosters a level of spontaneity that primes participants for creative thinking.
The ‘Memory Wall’ Icebreaker
How it Works
Participants write or draw a significant memory on a sticky note and stick it on a shared wall. Each person then explains their memory to the group.
Why it Works
Sharing personal memories fosters a deeper connection among participants, enhancing the sense of trust and unity needed for effective collaboration.
The ‘Sketch-Story’ Icebreaker
How it Works
Each person draws a random object, then passes it on to the person next to them who has to build a story around the sketch.
Why it Works
This creative exercise allows participants to tap into their storytelling and creative thinking skills, setting the stage for the ideation phase of the design thinking process.
The ‘Two Truths and a Lie’ Icebreaker
How it Works
Each participant tells two truths and one lie about themselves, and the others have to guess which is the lie.
Why it Works
This game not only reveals personal insights but also encourages active listening, an essential skill in the design thinking process.
Conclusion
These icebreakers are not just fun activities; they’re essential tools that can significantly boost the productivity of your design thinking session. By building trust, facilitating collaboration, and sparking creativity, they set the stage for innovative ideation and effective problem-solving.
Faqs
Icebreakers in design thinking sessions serve to establish trust, promote collaboration, and ignite creative thinking among the participants.
The choice of an icebreaker depends on your team’s dynamics, the session’s objectives, and the participants’ comfort levels.
While you can, it’s better to vary your icebreakers to keep the sessions fresh and exciting.
Typically, 10-15 minutes should suffice, but this can vary depending on the size of the group and the complexity of the icebreaker.
It’s essential to remain flexible. If an icebreaker doesn’t engage the group as expected, feel free to switch to a different one or adapt it as needed.
