Storyboard

When to use Storyboard

Use Storyboard when you need to align a team around a future vision, explore potential solutions to a complex problem, or map out a project plan in a creative and engaging way.

What it solves

Lack of shared understanding of goals, difficulty visualizing future outcomes, linear thinking

How to run Storyboard, step by step

1. Introduce the activity and the topic. Frame the challenge as 'The Ideal Future for [topic]' (5 minutes)
2. Divide participants into small groups of 3-4 and provide materials: flip chart paper, markers. (5 minutes)
3. Instruct groups to collaboratively define the ideal future state, identify key steps to get there, and visually represent each step on a separate sheet of paper. (25 minutes)
4. Give a 2-minute time warning. (2 minutes)
5. Have each group present their storyboard, narrating the story depicted in their visuals. (15-20 minutes per group)
6. Facilitate a group discussion to identify inspiring elements, recurring themes, and key insights from the stories. (10 minutes)

Materials needed

• Flip chart paper
• Markers
• Timer
• Stands for displaying storyboards (optional)

Facilitator tips

• Reassure participants that artistic skill is not required; stick figures and simple drawings are perfectly acceptable.
• Encourage groups to use captions or brief descriptions to clarify their visuals.
• Offer different presentation formats to keep participants engaged.

Common pitfalls

• Participants getting bogged down in artistic details, losing sight of the story's purpose. Remind them to focus on conveying the narrative.
• Groups struggling to define a clear ideal future state. Provide guiding questions or examples to help them get started.

Variations

• Use sticky notes instead of flip chart paper for individual contributions and easier rearrangement.
• Incorporate a competitive element by having participants vote on the most inspiring or creative storyboard.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural for collaborative drawing and story creation. Ensure participants have access to drawing tools or annotation features.

What it produces

A series of visual panels (drawings or images) depicting the steps to achieve the desired future state, accompanied by brief descriptions.

Origin

Based on an activity popularized by Walt Disney — source

Build a session around Storyboard

METODIC places Storyboard inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Storyboard · Try METODIC free