diverge · Ideation · 45–90 min · 3-12 people · medium energy
Signal Cards
Signal Cards are a powerful tool for sparking innovative ideas by prompting participants to consider future trends and alternative scenarios. By exploring potential future realities, teams can generate unexpected service ideas and scenarios for both the short and long term.
When to use Signal Cards
Use this method when you need to push the boundaries of a creative conversation, envision future possibilities, and encourage out-of-the-box thinking about service design.
What it solves
Stuck in present-day thinking; Lack of diverse perspectives on future trends; Difficulty generating truly novel ideas.
How to run Signal Cards, step by step
- Identify Key Trends (15 min). Brainstorm and list key trends, emerging behaviors, or potential consequences relevant to your project's context.
- Develop Future Narratives (30 min). For each trend, create an imaginary story, fact, or anecdote set in the future that makes the trend tangible. Frame it as a news headline or short narrative.
- Craft Signal Cards (30 min). Design each card with a catchy title, subtitle, and a brief narrative. Include hashtags or labels to link the narrative to the specific trend. Consider using visuals and color-coding.
- Ideation with Signal Cards (Ongoing). Use the cards as prompts during ideation sessions to generate service ideas and scenarios.
Materials needed
- Paper or card stock (physical)
- Markers or pens (physical)
- Computer with internet access (digital)
- Shared digital whiteboard (Miro, Mural, etc.) (digital)
Facilitator tips
- Encourage participants to be imaginative and think beyond current limitations.
- Ensure that the narratives are grounded in plausible future scenarios.
- Remind participants to connect the future scenarios back to the present-day service design challenge.
Common pitfalls
- Narratives are too vague or unrealistic, making them difficult to use as inspiration.
- Participants get stuck on the negative aspects of the future scenarios.
- The connection between the future scenarios and the service design challenge is unclear.
Variations
- Use existing trend reports or future forecasts as a starting point.
- Incorporate different perspectives by inviting experts or stakeholders to contribute to the creation of the signal cards.
- Combine Signal Cards with other ideation techniques, such as brainstorming or sketching.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural to create and display the signal cards. Facilitate discussion via video conferencing.
What it produces
A set of Signal Cards, each depicting a future scenario, used to inspire service design concepts.
Origin
Adapted from ServiceDesignTools.org — source
Build a session around Signal Cards
METODIC places Signal Cards inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.