diverge · Problem Solving, Reflection · 120 min · 1-40 people · medium energy

Getting Unstuck Audio Walk

The Getting Unstuck Audio Walk is a guided outdoor experience designed to help individuals reframe a challenge by engaging with their surroundings and prompting intentional reflection. Participants use a pre-recorded audio track to guide their walk, encouraging them to find inspiration in unexpected places and develop fresh perspectives.

When to use Getting Unstuck Audio Walk

Use this method when individuals or teams are feeling blocked on a problem and need a creative way to break free from conventional thinking. It's particularly useful when a change of scenery and a structured reflective process can unlock new insights.

What it solves

Stuck in a rut, Lack of creative ideas, Inability to see a problem from a new angle

How to run Getting Unstuck Audio Walk, step by step

  1. Preparation (15 min). Ensure each participant has a mobile device with internet access, earbuds, a notebook, and a pen. Download the audio track if streaming is unreliable.
  2. Introduction (5 min). Briefly explain the purpose of the activity and the importance of being open to new perspectives.
  3. The Walk (90 min). Instruct participants to start the audio track and follow its prompts during their walk. Emphasize the need to be present and observant.
  4. Debrief (30 min). Facilitate a discussion using the 'What? So what? Now what?' framework to process the experience and identify actionable insights.

Materials needed

  • Mobile device with internet access or downloaded audio
  • Earbuds
  • Notebook
  • Pen

Facilitator tips

  • Emphasize that there is no 'right' way to experience the walk; encourage participants to trust their intuition.
  • Remind participants to be mindful of their surroundings and to take notes on anything that resonates with them.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may become distracted by their phones or other external factors. Remind them to stay focused on the audio prompts and their internal reflections.
  • Some participants may feel uncomfortable walking alone. Offer the option of walking in pairs while still engaging with the audio individually.

Variations

  • Create a custom audio track tailored to the specific challenges of the group.
  • Adapt the debrief questions to focus on specific learning objectives.

Running it online or hybrid

While the core activity is an outdoor walk, the debrief can be effectively conducted via video conferencing. Consider a virtual 'walk' using online maps or shared images if a physical walk is impossible.

What it produces

Reframed challenge statement, Notes on observations and reflections, Actionable next steps

Origin

Adapted from Stanford d.school — source

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