Workshop Exercises: Decision
Silent Storming
Brainstorm silently and individually for a set amount of time
Why: Eliminate groupthink and allow for more diverse thinking, ensuring that all participants have a chance to contribute
When: Use to collect data and let participants reflect before engaging in group discussions
Instructions for running this play
- Ask participants to individually generate content on sticky notes
- Impose a Timebox of 5 to 15 minutes.
- Ask participants one by one to post their sticky notes on a large surface, presenting the items as they are posted.
- Contributions are discussed, captured, shared, or used as input for other exercises.
- Consider using Affinity Mapping to remove duplicates and discover patterns.
Tips to perfect this play
Master and adapt the play to fit your context and needs.
Tip: Limit quantity
Give participants sticky note quantity goals (for example “produce at least 5”) to push participants less likely to contribute to be more involved.
Tip: Choose anonymity or accountability
Anonymity is useful when there is a large range of hierarchy in the room or when content generated could be sensitive in nature. Let the facilitator shuffle and post the sticky notes on the surface.
Every card deck includes workshop patterns, so your team can put the methods to work in your next session.
Running behavioral design workshops? The Persuasive Patterns Workshop Playbook (PDF) shows you how to design and run them.
Browse the card decksRelated plays
- Silent Brainstorming: An Essential Facilitation Tool by TWOWP
- Foundational UX Workshop Activities by Sarah Gibbons