People Science - putting people first... scientifically
Putting people first – Scientifically Communities, projects, and initiatives thrive when the people associated with them work well together. The most…
Why It Won't Work Exercise
DESCRIPTION: People often fail to rigorously critique a plan or design that they feel strongly invested in. For various reasons, voicing criticism…
Collaboration Exercises Full List
Hundreds of collaborative events have led to this list of collaborative exercises. A Mind Map is also in the works.
Break: Walk on the Beach, Walk in the Park
DESCRIPTION: Well, we don’t always have a beach, but a walk in a park will do. We take short breaks periodically through the DesignShop process, but…
Business Exercise: Walk in the Shoes Of...
DESCRIPTION: To understand another person, group or organization, “walk in their shoes” for awhile. Look at the world from their vantage point. Name…
Take-A-Panel (Individual) Exercise to Share Everyone's Perspective
DESCRIPTION: “Take a Panel” is when participants are assigned to individually take a section of WorkWall – typically a 4’ by 8’ panel – to write and…
Syntopical Reading Exercise (Metaphors)
DESCRIPTION: To read syntopically is to read many books or articles simultaneously, and to study each work in relation to the others and to the…
Synthesis Conversation : Conversation For Intent
DESCRIPTION: Synthesis means “putting together the parts so as to form a whole.” Typically, the DesignShop process involves many cycles of working…
Metaphor, Analogy & Simile Exercise
DESCRIPTION: Synectics is a group problem-solving process that involves the use of metaphor, analogy or simile. The synectics method incorporates…
Symbolic Action Exercise
DESCRIPTION: People often discount the value of symbols: a symbolic gesture may be dismissed as not substantial, something for show only. Yet it is…