Back of the Napkin
The 'Back of the Napkin' method encourages teams to brainstorm and capture their ideas on a napkin, inspired by the informal and spontaneous nature of 'aha' moments. Ideal for networking events, it fosters creativity and collaboration through open-ended questions.
How to run it
- 1
Divide participants into teams of at least two people.
- 2
Present a provocative, open-ended question to each team.
- 3
Provide each team with a napkin and gel pen.
- 4
Instruct teams to write or draw their response on one side of the napkin.
- 5
Have participants write their names on the reverse side of the napkin.
- 6
Display completed napkins on a wall for collective viewing and discussion.
Tips
Encourage participants to think creatively and not worry about artistic skills.
Use smooth-surfaced napkins for easier writing.
Provide gel pens, which are effective on napkins.
Clearly explain the time limits and rules at the start.
Variations
Consider having multiple questions for different groups to address various topics. Allow teams to self-organize around questions they feel passionate about. Introduce categories for judging, such as Most Practical or Most Whimsical.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Back of the Napkin?▾
Use Back of the Napkin when you want to: Networking events; Brainstorming sessions; Creative workshops.
How long does Back of the Napkin take?▾
Back of the Napkin typically takes 10 minutes.
How many participants does Back of the Napkin work for?▾
Back of the Napkin works best for groups of 2 or more.
What materials do I need for Back of the Napkin?▾
To run Back of the Napkin you will need: napkins, gel pens.
How difficult is Back of the Napkin to facilitate?▾
Back of the Napkin is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Gamestorming.