Workshop Exercises: Ideate

Figure Storming

Imagine how a famous character, fictional or real, would tackle a problem

Illustration of Figure Storming
Run a Figure Storming play

Also called: Heroes, Alter egos

Timing: Discovery

Run time
60 minutes

Group size
4-10

Why: Invoke unique ideas by viewing problems through the lens of famous characters, effectively breaking cognitive biases

When: When a difficult problem requires a fresh, unorthodox perspective

This workshop exercise is part of the Workshop Patterns printed card deck.

A collection of workshop exercises that will help you ditch dull meetings and facilitate with confidence. It will help you master the design process and have more productive time with your team. The card deck will be ready for purchase in the end of 2025 and is now undergoing rigorous testing.

Reserve your deck!

Instructions for running this play

  1. Frame problem. Articulate on the challenge you want to explore. How Might We is a great way to frame it.
  2. Choose a a figure. Pair the problem with a corresponding fictional character. In a group setting of 3-5 participants, set a Timebox of 5-10 minutes for exploring as many characters as you can.

    Example
    • Problem: A waste management company wants to improve services, but does not know how to stand out.
    • Figure: How would Elon Musk disrupt the market
  3. Explore figure actions. Once you have settled on a figure, it is time to explore what that would mean for your challenge. Consider doing Empathy Mapping on the chosen character to build empathy and further spawn ideas.

This workshop exercise is part of the Workshop Patterns printed card deck.

A collection of workshop exercises that will help you ditch dull meetings and facilitate with confidence. It will help you master the design process and have more productive time with your team. The card deck will be ready for purchase in the end of 2025 and is now undergoing rigorous testing.

Reserve your deck!

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Ice Breakers

Relieve initial group awkwardness and establish a safe space

Educate

Broaden knowledge or insight regarding the behavior or situation to inform decisions.

Demonstrate

Show practical examples or models of the desired behavior for clear guidance.

Alert

Highlight current actions and their reasons, bringing unconscious habits to awareness.

Train

Develop necessary skills and competencies to enable effective action.

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