Walking Brainstorm
This brainstorming method encourages participants to generate ideas while physically moving. It creates a dynamic atmosphere where individuals can silently contribute to and build on each other's thoughts, making it suitable for large groups or as an energizer.
How to run it
- 1
Ensure there is enough space for participants to walk freely without bumping into each other.
- 2
Write a topic or question on several posters and place them around the room with adequate space for interaction.
- 3
Consider varying the question on each poster to widen the scope of ideas.
- 4
Set a timer for 3 to 15 minutes, depending on group size and topic complexity.
- 5
Distribute post-it notes and markers to all participants.
- 6
Instruct participants to move silently and write their ideas on post-it notes, sticking them on the relevant posters.
- 7
Encourage the use of one post-it note per idea to facilitate clustering later.
- 8
At the end of the time, conduct a group debrief or have small teams discuss the posters and report back.
Tips
Remind participants that every idea is valuable; even bad ideas can lead to great ones.
Use the ‘yes, and’ principle during the exercise to promote an open, collaborative environment.
Check in with participants to ensure they feel comfortable and understand the instructions.
Variations
Modify the topics on the posters to fit specific themes or objectives for the session to better align with your goals.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Walking Brainstorm?â–¾
Use Walking Brainstorm when you want to: team kickoff; brainstorming session; project planning; creative workshop; retrospective activity.
How long does Walking Brainstorm take?â–¾
Walking Brainstorm typically takes 2–15 minutes.
How many participants does Walking Brainstorm work for?â–¾
Walking Brainstorm works best for groups of 2 or more.
What materials do I need for Walking Brainstorm?â–¾
Walking Brainstorm requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Walking Brainstorm to facilitate?â–¾
Walking Brainstorm 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 SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.