Workshop Exercises: Ideate

The Anti-Problem

Solve the opposite of the real problem

Also called: Reverse Brainstorm

Alternative plays: Figure Storming, Reverse Brainstorming

Follow-up plays: How Might We, SCAMPER

See also: Crazy Eights

Timing: Planning

Origin: Alex Osborn

Run time
45-60 minutes

Group size
3-10

Why: Ignite creativity and uncover unexpected solutions by exploring the reverse scenario

When: As you find traditional problem-solving methods unfruitful or when the team is stuck

Instructions for running this play

Prepare a problem statement before the meeting and present it first thing to the group.
Break large groups into smaller groups of three to four people
Reverse the problem. The more extreme the opposite, the better.
Lower spam rate → Increase spam rate
Increase customer satisfaction → Increase customer dissatisfaction
Increase user sign in → Lower need to sign in
Give participants a Timebox of 15-20 minutes to generate and display ways to solve the anti-problem. Encourage high volume of ideas and fast responses.
Let participants Playback their solutions,
Discuss insights and discoveries.

Master and adapt the play to fit your context and needs.

Bring a list of smaller problems and assign smaller Timeboxes to each. Aim for many solutions as fast as possible.

The best solutions come after the workshop, when participants have time to think and reflect.

If the exercise segues into a conversation about the real problem, you can use extra time to continue the conversation while it’s ignited.

There might be unexpected Aha! moments as participants discover how they are currently applying a counter-productives solution to the real problem.

Run better workshops with Learning Loop card decks.

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.

Sources