diverge · Ideation, Team Building, Icebreaker · 30 min · 3-8 people · medium energy

Back of the Napkin

The Back of the Napkin method sparks creative problem-solving by challenging small teams to develop innovative solutions to a provocative question and visually represent them on a napkin. Its informal nature encourages participants to overcome inhibitions and embrace unconventional thinking.

When to use Back of the Napkin

Use this method to kick off a brainstorming session, foster networking at an event, or inject a dose of playful competition into a group activity. It's particularly effective when you need to quickly generate a wide range of ideas from a diverse group.

What it solves

Inhibitions around drawing or 'perfect' solutions; difficulty generating creative ideas in formal settings.

How to run Back of the Napkin, step by step

  1. Introduce the problem statement or open-ended question to the group. (5 minutes)
  2. Divide participants into teams of 3-8 people. Encourage mixing and meeting new people. (5 minutes)
  3. Each team brainstorms and captures their solution on a napkin, using drawings and text. (15 minutes)
  4. Teams display their napkins and briefly share their ideas with the larger group. (5 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Napkins (approx. 5" x 5", smooth surface)
  • Pens (gel pens recommended)
  • Flip chart or large paper for display
  • Tape

Facilitator tips

  • Emphasize that there are no wrong answers and encourage teams to be as practical, whimsical, or out-of-the-box as they want.
  • Consider offering different categories for judging, such as 'Most Practical,' 'Most Out-of-the-Box,' or 'Most Whimsical'.

Common pitfalls

  • Teams getting bogged down in perfectionism. Remind them of the informal nature of the activity and the importance of quick ideation.
  • Unclear problem statement. Ensure the question is open-ended, relevant, and easily understood by all participants.

Variations

  • Run the activity with multiple problem statements, allowing participants to gravitate to the question that interests them most.
  • Incorporate a judging panel to select winners in different categories, adding a competitive element.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural for teams to collaborate on their 'napkin' ideas. Encourage the use of digital drawing tools or image uploads.

What it produces

A collection of napkins, each showcasing a team's unique solution to the problem statement, visually represented with drawings and text.

Origin

Adapted from Aga Leśny via SessionLab — source

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