Hello, innovators! Using tactile materials or moving in space can give us a new perspective as we “play around” with ideas and solutions. Log off and get started!
Mission Title: Modality mashup
Objectives: Get a new perspective on a current idea or challenge by using tactile materials, or switching between modalities.
Players: 1 or more
Playbox Materials: Building blocks or Lego, clay, markers, open space etc. OR improvise with items from your desk or office stationery cupboard.
How to play (regular mode):
Challenge yourself to represent an idea, process, plan, or problem you are already thinking about—by drawing or building with physical materials. For example, use Lego or clay to construct the parts of a flowchart, a timeline, or a model. Fresh out Lego? Lay out pens, binder clips, and desk items to show ideas and relationships, or work out your ideas with a whiteboard drawing or wall full of post-it notes. Anything goes! Thinking offline already? Get a new view by translating your ideas back into an electronic format.
How to play (expressive mode):
Ask team members to respond to a prompt or contribute an idea by physically drawing or building. For example, “build how you think our project is going now.” People can choose to explain their creation or let others view and interpret it if they’d rather not speak.
How to play (expert mode):
Try a radical change of modality—like abstract visual art, mime, music, or dance. Can you explore a problem or communicate an idea without primarily relying on words? If you try, you’re in good company, like with the entrants of the long-running Dance Your PhD contest!