Do, Redo & Undo
Do, Redo & Undo is a method that encourages teams to plan for potential mistakes and changes in their projects by considering how to avoid, correct, or completely reverse actions. It is particularly useful in developing systems, whether human-to-machine or human-to-human, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial.
How to run it
- 1
Begin with a concept or prototype as a reference point for the group.
- 2
Ask the group to brainstorm potential mistakes or issues using sticky notes and gather these into a list.
- 3
For each issue, determine if it can be addressed by changing the design (Do), altering the action during its execution (Redo), or completely reversing the action (Undo).
- 4
Prioritize the issues based on their likelihood and impact, then focus on developing solutions for the most critical ones.
- 5
Revisit the initial concept with the proposed solutions to ensure they align with the desired outcomes.
Tips
Encourage creativity and humor during the brainstorming phase to uncover unexpected issues.
Prioritize critical issues by assessing their impact and likelihood.
Document solutions and integrate them into the overall design for future testing and refinement.
Variations
This method can be adapted for different contexts by focusing on specific scenarios, such as user error in software or process failures in business operations. It can also be used in conjunction with other brainstorming techniques for a more comprehensive analysis.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Do, Redo & Undo?â–¾
Use Do, Redo & Undo when you want to: Designing flexible software systems; Improving business processes; Developing robust user interfaces.
How long does Do, Redo & Undo take?â–¾
Do, Redo & Undo typically takes 60 minutes.
How many participants does Do, Redo & Undo work for?â–¾
Do, Redo & Undo works best for groups of 3–10 participants.
What materials do I need for Do, Redo & Undo?â–¾
To run Do, Redo & Undo you will need: sticky notes, markers, whiteboard.
How difficult is Do, Redo & Undo to facilitate?â–¾
Do, Redo & Undo is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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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.