Ideation/Creativity

Inspiration Cards

Stuck? Use curated examples to spark fresh ideas. Explore solutions from different industries to break out of conventional thinking. It's not always a home run; sometimes, the connection is a stretch, but that's part of the fun.

Duration
30 mins
Group Size
4-12
Category
Ideation/Creativity
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Explore diverse examples to spark unconventional thinking. Help teams break out of obvious solution paths. Generate ideas through analogical reasoning. Build creative confidence through inspiration.

Outcomes

Inspiration cards created. Creative prompts ready. Foundation for ideation.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Select relevant inspiration cards or examples (5 min). 2. Present 3-5 inspiring examples from different industries (10 min). 3. Teams generate ideas triggered by each example (10 min). 4. Share and build on inspired ideas (5 min).

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Facilitator Tips

Choose examples from industries unrelated to your challenge. Focus on underlying principles, not just surface similarities. Encourage wild connections and analogies. Ask, "How might this principle apply to our problem?" Don't aim for direct copies.

Pre-Work

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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Materials Required


  • IDEO Method Cards or curated inspiration examples. - Laptops/tablets for digital examples. - Sticky notes for idea capture. - Markers. - Timer. - Wall space for posting ideas.

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Resources & Templates

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

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