learning & change

Napkin Sketches

Napkin sketches are a quick and effective ideation technique for human-centred design projects. This activity involves generating quick sketches on a napkin or paper to communicate ideas visually. By generating many sketches, teams can quickly iterate and refine ideas based on user feedback.

  1. Set the Scene: Explain the purpose of the Napkin Sketch Activity and the problem or challenge the team is trying to solve for. Emphasise the importance of suspending judgment and going for quantity, as these are essential ideation principles.
  2. Set a Time Box: Typically, 5-10 minutes per round. Encourage the team to generate as many sketches as possible within the time limit, reminding them to embrace crazy ideas and not worry about perfection.
  3. Speed Sketch: Provide the team with napkins, paper, and pens and ask them to sketch their ideas. Invite them to use simple thumbnail sketches and visual icons to capture the essence of their concept. Have them use diagrams and labels to capture the idea.
  4. Share and Build: After the time limit, have each team member share their sketches with the group, briefly explaining the concept behind their drawing. Encourage the team to build on each other’s ideas and combine sketches to create new and innovative solutions. Use a whiteboard or wall to group similar ideas and refine them based on feedback and discussion.

Things to keep in mind….

  • Suspend judgment: refrain from evaluating or critiquing ideas too early in the ideation process and create a safe space for generating ideas.
  • Aim for quantity: generate as many ideas as possible, even if they seem impractical or unrealistic.
  • Embrace Crazy: encourage unconventional thinking and welcome every thought, even the craziest ones.
  • Flex Constraints: be flexible with constraints and challenge the team to explore solutions that might stretch their limits.
  • Stay Together: keep the team together, collaborate, and build on each other’s ideas to leverage their diverse perspectives and strengths.

To find out more about how to up skill your leaders in leading collaborative design or for support with your next codesign project, reach out to us via info@soji.com.au.

Photo by Amélie Mourichon on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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