diverge · Ideation · 10–15 min · 2-15 people · high energy
Crazy 8s
Each person folds a sheet of paper into eight panels and sketches eight variations of one of their best ideas, one minute per panel. The time pressure pushes people past their first idea and gets them drawing rather than talking.
When to use Crazy 8s
Use when people have a promising idea and need to explore many variations of it quickly before committing to one.
What it solves
People fall in love with their first idea and never explore what else it could be.
How to run Crazy 8s, step by step
- Fold an A4 or letter sheet in half three times to make eight panels (1 min).
- Pick one strong idea from your notes to work on (1 min).
- Sketch a variation of it in each panel, one minute per panel, with the facilitator calling time (8 min).
- Optionally run a second round with a different idea (8 min).
- Each person shows their favourite panel or two to the group (5 min).
Materials needed
- A4 or letter paper
- Thick markers
- Timer
Facilitator tips
- Remind people that rough is the goal. Stick figures and boxes are fine.
- Call out each minute so nobody spends three minutes on one panel.
- Do it after people have had time to gather ideas, not cold.
Common pitfalls
- People draw eight unrelated ideas instead of variations on one.
- Thin pens tempt people into detail. Use thick markers.
Variations
- Crazy 6s or 4s for longer panels when ideas need more detail.
Running it online or hybrid
Everyone sketches on paper at their desk, then photographs the sheet and posts it to the shared board.
What it produces
A sheet of eight rough sketches per person, showing variations on one idea.
Origin
A rapid sketching exercise made widely known by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky's Design Sprint, developed at Google and Google Ventures. — source
Build a session around Crazy 8s
METODIC places Crazy 8s inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.