diverge · Ideation · 30–45 min · 2-10 people · medium energy
Mash-Ups
Mash-Ups unlock innovative solutions by combining seemingly unrelated concepts or brands. This method encourages teams to think outside the box by layering the desired qualities of one entity onto the challenges of another.
When to use Mash-Ups
Use this method when you need to generate fresh perspectives and break free from conventional thinking. It's particularly useful when facing a complex problem that requires a novel approach.
What it solves
Stuck in incremental thinking; Lack of truly innovative ideas; Difficulty seeing a problem from a different angle
How to run Mash-Ups, step by step
- Identify the desired quality. As a group, determine the key attribute you want to inject into your solution (e.g., efficiency, user-friendliness, luxury). Write this quality on a sticky note. (5 minutes)
- Brainstorm examples. Individually, generate a list of real-world brands, businesses, or services that strongly embody the identified quality. (10 minutes)
- Create the Mash-Up question. Formulate a 'What's the [Brand X] version of [Your Challenge]?' question. Write this question clearly for everyone to see. (5 minutes)
- Brainstorm Mash-Up ideas. As a group, brainstorm potential solutions or approaches inspired by the mash-up question. Capture each idea on a separate sticky note. (15 minutes)
- Discuss and refine. Briefly discuss the generated ideas, looking for promising directions and potential combinations. (5-10 minutes)
Materials needed
- Sticky notes
- Pens
- Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard (Miro, Mural)
- Timer
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to think broadly and not censor their ideas during the brainstorming phase.
- Help the group to articulate the core quality they are seeking before moving to the example brainstorming phase.
Common pitfalls
- Participants struggle to identify a relevant quality. - Provide examples and guide the discussion towards specific, actionable qualities.
- Ideas remain too abstract and disconnected from the original challenge. - Encourage participants to ground their ideas in practical considerations.
Variations
- Instead of brands, use different industries or technologies.
- Use images or objects as the basis for the mash-up.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or Mural for brainstorming and capturing ideas on virtual sticky notes. Ensure participants can easily move and group ideas.
What it produces
A collection of 'mash-up' ideas, each representing a potential solution or direction.
Origin
Adapted from IDEO's Design Kit — source
Build a session around Mash-Ups
METODIC places Mash-Ups inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.