This n’ That

Step 1:

Head to the “This n’ That“ tool on Dave Birss’ website for an automated mash-up tool.

Step 2:

The site immediately gives you two familiar objects.

Your job is to come up with at least three different ideas from combining those objects.

Preferably something you’ve not seen before.

Step 3:

You may find it easier to draw some of your ideas than explain them in words.

Do whatever works best for you.

Step 4:

Once you’ve come up with at least three ideas from the given prompts, tap the ‘Go Again’ button to get new prompts.

Do this exercise a few times and see if there are any useful ideas you’d like to develop.

Step 5:

If you are working with a team, the activity can lead to a round of sharing of ideas.

An interesting way to spice up ideas sharing is to ask participants to select their best and worst ideas.

When they present to the group they should not say which, in their opinion, was the best and worst idea.

This can help them to explore the ideas we sometimes discount as bad or crazy ideas - and these could be ideas which others see potential to develop further.

Step 6:

Closing with Reflection

We recommend closing the activity with a simple reflection activity in which all participants can reflect upon their insights about how they felt undertaking the activity, and what insights emerge around creativity and the creative process.