explore · Strategy · 30–60 min · 2-10 people · medium energy
Hot Air Balloon
The Hot Air Balloon method is a metaphorical journey that helps teams identify internal and external factors influencing a project or organization. By visualizing these elements as parts of a balloon ride, participants engage in creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
When to use Hot Air Balloon
Use this method at the beginning of a project or workshop to assess the landscape, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and align the team on a shared vision.
What it solves
Lack of shared understanding of the internal and external factors affecting a project; difficulty identifying strengths and weaknesses in a collaborative manner.
How to run Hot Air Balloon, step by step
- Introduce the metaphor. Explain that the team will be imagining their project as a hot air balloon journey. (2 minutes)
- Wind. Ask participants to identify external forces (threats and opportunities) affecting the project. Capture these on sticky notes. (7 minutes)
- Sandbags. Identify internal challenges and weaknesses that are holding the project back. Add these to the 'sandbags' section. (7 minutes)
- Hot Air. Brainstorm the strengths and competitive advantages that can propel the project forward. (7 minutes)
- Passengers & Observers. Identify key internal stakeholders (passengers) and external stakeholders/users (observers). (7 minutes)
- Paradise Island. Define the desired future state or long-term goal (5-10 years). What does success look like? (7 minutes)
- Steps to Take. Discuss concrete actions needed to reach the 'Paradise Island'. (7 minutes)
Materials needed
- Sticky notes
- Pens
- Whiteboard or flip chart (or online whiteboard tool)
- Timer
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to think broadly and creatively.
- Keep the discussion focused and avoid getting bogged down in details during the brainstorming phase.
- Timebox each step to ensure the activity stays on track.
Common pitfalls
- Participants struggling to grasp the metaphor. - Provide clear examples and re-explain the concept if needed.
- Dominant voices overshadowing quieter participants. - Actively solicit input from everyone and use techniques like round-robin brainstorming.
Variations
- Use different metaphors, such as a ship sailing to a destination or a rocket launching into space.
- Adapt the categories to fit the specific context of the project or workshop.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared online whiteboard like Miro or Mural, creating dedicated areas for each element (Wind, Sandbags, etc.). Ensure participants have clear editing rights and can easily add virtual sticky notes.
What it produces
A visual representation of the hot air balloon with identified strengths, weaknesses, external forces, stakeholders, and goals, captured on a whiteboard or digital collaboration tool.
Origin
Based on work by Hyper Island — source
Build a session around Hot Air Balloon
METODIC places Hot Air Balloon inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.