«What if?»

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’s great about this method: you imagine a world of wonder by posing questions, not by chasing answers.

How it works

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

Tips, tricks & more

Example: A participant randomly picks 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.