The Post-It Note Challenge is all about increasing pressure and getting the best out of your creative brain based on gut feelings and quick reactions. This is a great way to break the ice and warm up before a brainstorming session!
How to
To get started, choose a subject that you want to focus on to develop ideas. For example, let’s say we want to design the next stylish electric car.
With a stack of Post-It Notes and a black marker, identify a theme for your electric car. Let’s assume that your first idea is “Retro Electric Car.” Set your timer for sixty seconds and begin sketching what this new retro electric car may look like.
Once the time is up, everyone puts their markers down. Repeat the process again for thirty seconds, then fifteen, then ten, then five. The less time you have to think and react, the more pressure there is to come up with a quick idea. With less time to overthink things, you will discover that your initial idea was more often than not right!
Once you have finished the process several times, start sticking the Post-Its onto the wall and choose your favorite ideas—this will build a strong base for your next groundbreaking product.
Food for Thought
The purpose of these innovative exercises is to get you thinking in ways that you are not used to, rather than giving you the magical recipe for coming up with innovative ideas. As always, have fun—and don’t be surprised when you hit the innovation jackpot!
What exercises have you used or come across when working with highly innovative and creative teams? Share your exercises or how your experience was doing the Post-It note challenge by replying to this email.
Inspiring Quote
"The best ideas come as jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible."
—David Ogilvy
Design Challenge
Every once in a while, I'll leave you with a challenge to stimulate your curiosity and encourage you to think outside the box. The more you exercise your creative muscle, the better and faster you'll become at it.
Imagine it's the year 3023 and the world has become extremely crowded and overpopulated, making it difficult to commute from one place to another. Just over 150 years ago, horses were used to transport people. Your task is to come up with ideas for how people might commute a thousand years from now. There's no wrong answer – let your creativity run wild and have fun!
Share your ideas by replying to this email, and I'll share the best ones in an upcoming newsletter.