We explained the philosophy in #2 Concept, now it's time to play...
You, me, all of us are living species sitting during the day.
Let's play! Let's develop a product that makes you say, "Oh! Man&Woman, this is a Perfect Chair!"
Objective: This gamification activity aims to engage participants in a creative and fun workshop to Create their perfect chair using the LEGO Serious Play™ method.
The activity aims to develop skills in stimulating imagination, working together and problem-solving while reinventing a simple object from our daily lives.
Methodology: The activity is based on the chapter "Reflexive Learning through Visual Methods" in the book (http://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262544726/).
Game Rules:
We will use the LEGO Serious Play™ method for creative thinking and problem-solving.
In this workshop, you will use LEGO bricks to Create a Perfect Chair!
You will have the opportunity to share your chair designs and ideas with other designers.
You can redesign, refine and revise chair concepts based on new information, feedback or insights gained during play.
Building phase:
Each participant gets a set of LEGO bricks and a base plate (unlimited LEGO bricks, only $1 difference :) )
A Perfect Chair! You have time (only 15 minutes) for conceptual design and construction.
Free to try! (Who buys a chair without sitting on it :) )
Be creative, look for indigenous designs (There is a special prize for the most creative design!)
There are no right or wrong answers in this workshop. Each participant will create the perfect chair that represents their unique vision.
Game Steps:
To align with the concept maturation process, I have taken the steps in the game from my #2Concept article. Please refer back to the article for any unclear points/questions.
1- What are the expectations? Ref:#2Concept(1) Stakeholders define the problem/opportunity, (2) Stakeholders express expectations
Set expectations for A Perfect Chair! that you want to build using LEGO bricks.
Which "challenge" will you build for in this workshop?
2- Let's optimize the expectations by iteration: Ref:#2ConceptExpectations are re-evaluated to optimize
Review or update expectations based on learning or changing circumstances.
Consider different perspectives and update expectations accordingly.
3- Problem/Opportunity Definition: Ref:#2Concept4) Problem/opportunity is addressed with needs, goals, and objectives, 5) Stakeholders define needs, objectives, goals, and objectives
- What are the problems/opportunities with the chair design you have developed?
To effectively address the problems/opportunities;
Needs,
Goals
Objectives
briefly write down those items.
Please be specific and consider elements such as functionality, aesthetics, comfort and user experience in chair designs.
Conceptual maturation
4- Concept Maturation: Ref:#2Concept6) Expectations guide conceptual maturation, 7) Needs, goals, and objectives are re-evaluated to optimize, 8) Needs, goals, and objectives are realized through conceptual maturation
Develop and refine the chair concepts according to the needs, goals and objectives you have written down.
But unfortunately, "There are LIMITS"!
The concept has some issues about:
Platform/environment where the chair will be used,
Ref:#2Concept9) High-level requirements limit conceptual maturation,Regulations,
Ref:#2Concept10) Regulations limit conceptual maturation,Standards,
Ref:#2Concept11) Standards limit conceptual maturation,Existing systems,
Ref:#2Concept12) Existing systems limit conceptual maturation,Cost,
Ref:#2Concept13) Cost constraints Conceptual maturation,Schedule,
Ref:#2Concept14) The schedule constraints conceptual maturation,Technology,
Ref:#2Concept15) Technology limits conceptual maturation,Your LEGO expertise,
Ref:#2Concept16) Staff competence constraints conceptual maturation,
please consider those design constraints.
5- Think about Risks: Ref:#2Concept17) Risks are identified through conceptual maturation, 18) Risks are reduced through conceptual maturation
Discuss and identify potential risks or uncertainties associated with chair concepts.
Think of ways to mitigate these risks during the concept maturation process.
For example: what if competing chair designers win the "Most creative design award"?
6- Iteration and optimization: Ref:#2Concept19) The concept created by conceptual maturation is re-evaluated to optimize it
The nature of concept maturation is iterative, always looking for the best.
7- Moving from Conceptual to Requirements: Ref:#2Concept20) The concept created through conceptual maturation is translated into stakeholder needs, 21) Stakeholder needs are translated into requirement statements.
I can't believe it! How quickly 15 minutes have passed, now it's time to write down the requirements on paper!
Footnote: How to do it? Stay tuned if you are wondering how to write a requirement.
Conclusion
Reflexive Learning:
Once the construction phase is complete, let's come together as participants.
Let each participant briefly present their chairs and share the rationale behind their design choices.
Reflect on the functionality, comfort, aesthetics and originality of the shared designs.
Accept feedback from other participants by actively listening. Discuss questions about different perspectives on chair design.
Discussion Topics:
What common themes or patterns have emerged in chair designs?
Did the group notice any unique or innovative chair designs? What is indigenous about it?
How does this workshop link to real-world design challenges or problem-solving?
How does this workshop relate to real-world design challenges or problem-solving?
What did participants learn about themselves or others through the process? Key Takeaways and Application:
Did you feel the value of creativity, collaboration and different perspectives in problem-solving?
Apply what you have learned to your daily work or personal life.
For example, think deeply about how you approach challenges, consider multiple perspectives and develop creativity in problem-solving.
Epilogue:
We had a hands-on and creative experience combining the LEGO Serious Play™ method with the activity of Creating a Perfect Chair!
I look forward to your feedback in the comments.