Often, a change in perspective is all that is needed to open up new avenues for insights to enter. If you are looking for ideas to grow an existing product, or make some improvements to it, this seemingly wild & wacky exercise can take your mind through completely new ways of thinking to reveal deep insights. This activity can be done as a team, or as an individual effort.
What You'll Need:
- Your current product (If this isn't practical, a photo will be the next best thing. Depending on the type and size of product, having one product per person is preferable.)
- Notepads and pens
- Stacks of magazines (the more varieties, the better)
- Scissors
- A flip chart with the following instructions written on it
Instructions:
Place the product, or photo, in front of you. Ask the product—yes, that's right!—personify the product, ask it the following questions, and record the answers that it has for you. Keep an open-mind and let your internal critic take a nap during this exercise.
- What image captures the essence of what makes you who you are? (go through magazines and select an image)
- Where did you come from?
- What is it you want me to know about you?
- What do you want to have in your life?
- If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you try?
- How can I help you get to where you want to go?
When everyone is done, let each person share their greatest surprises, insights and possible ideas to explore—without interruptions from the group and with applause at the end. Set a time limit in advance so that people can highlight what they feel is most important.
