diverge · Ideation · 5–10 min · 5-500 people · medium energy
Chat Waterfall
A rapid-response technique where participants type their answers to a prompt in the chat but wait for the facilitator's signal to press 'Enter.' This creates a 'waterfall' of responses that prevents groupthink and ensures simultaneous contribution.
When to use Chat Waterfall
To gather a high volume of ideas or feedback quickly while ensuring that quiet voices aren't influenced by dominant ones.
What it solves
Groupthink and the tendency for the first person's answer to bias everyone else's response.
How to run Chat Waterfall, step by step
- Pose a clear, open-ended question to the group (1 minute).
- Instruct everyone to type their answer in the chat but NOT to press enter yet (2 minutes).
- On a count of three, have everyone press 'Enter' at the same time and read through the results (2-5 minutes).
Materials needed
- Chat functionality in video conferencing software
Facilitator tips
- Use this to check for understanding or to brainstorm solutions to a specific problem.
- Read out a few diverse responses once the waterfall happens to validate contributions.
Common pitfalls
- Someone pressing 'Enter' too early and 'breaking' the waterfall.
- Using prompts that are too complex for a short chat response.
Variations
- Two-stage waterfall: First stage for challenges, second stage for potential solutions.
Running it online or hybrid
In-person participants can use their mobile devices to join the chat so their voices are included in the 'waterfall.'
What it produces
A comprehensive chat transcript of ideas, feedback, or answers.
Origin
Adapted from SessionLab Library — source
Build a session around Chat Waterfall
METODIC places Chat Waterfall inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.