«What If?»

15 Minutes

3 – 15

Sometimes we all need a little help getting through a creative block. This activity uses triggers (the cards) combined with «what if…?» in order to inspire you through wonder. What is great about this method, is that is allows you to imagine a world of wonder while posing questions and not having to come up with answers. 

How it works:

  1. Have participants work in groups of 3.
  2. Each group should have a handful of cards at their disposal.
  3. Participants start by describing their creative challenge.
  4. Participants should use a random card create a «what if» trigger question.
  5. The trio can then start to ideate, always answering with another question.
  6. When they need another prompt, they simply pick a new card and start again.

Tips, tricks & more:

  • Example: A participant randomly pricks the card «Dare to make mistakes»
    — «what if we dared to make mistakes, what would we try?»
    — «what if we tried XYZ with kids to see what they would do?»
    — «what if we went to a park and started showing XYZ?»

  • For this exercise to work, it is important for participants to be open-minded and inquisitive.

  • It is also important to avoid «what if» questions that frame negative scenarios.

  • Timing for this activity is actually quite flexible. You can run it as long as you want, but 15 minutes is the minimum.
  • This activity can also be done with more participants, but you will need more than one set of cards.

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