explore · Team Building, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking · 240 min · 4-30 people · medium energy

Visual Narratives

Visual Narratives uses collaborative art installations to explore complex themes like stress and eustress, fostering creative thinking and teamwork. Participants translate a shared narrative into a physical composition using personal objects, documenting their process and receiving feedback to refine their creation.

When to use Visual Narratives

Use this method to encourage creative problem-solving, reflection, and collaboration within a group, especially when exploring abstract or emotionally charged topics. It's particularly effective for teams that need to develop a shared understanding and express diverse perspectives.

What it solves

Difficulty expressing abstract concepts, lack of creative problem-solving, limited team collaboration

How to run Visual Narratives, step by step

  1. Preparatory Assignment (Prior to session): Ask participants to bring 5 personal objects related to the theme and complete a creative roles questionnaire.
  2. Entering the Creative Space (45 mins): Introduce the challenge, review principles of open thinking, and inspire participants with examples of art installations. Facilitate a scent assignment to encourage an open mindset.
  3. Mapping the Story (30 mins): Divide participants into teams and have them share their objects and stories. Guide them to develop a shared narrative using brainstorming techniques and create a mind map.
  4. Build Your Installation (45 mins): Teams create their installation, documenting the process with photos. Provide formative feedback on their narrative and installation.
  5. The Wildcard Twist (45 mins): Introduce surprise prompts to challenge teams to rethink and transform their installation in unexpected ways. Teams finalize their installation.
  6. Collective Debrief (60 mins): Allow for a break before reconvening for individual reflection and a collective debrief to discuss the experience and learning outcomes.

Materials needed

  • Personal objects from participants
  • Flip-over sheets
  • Markers
  • Camera or smartphone for documentation
  • Wildcard prompts
  • Feedback suggestions handout
  • Individual reflective questions handout
  • Teacher Preparation handout
  • Creative Challenge presentation
  • Scent assignment handout

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to embrace experimentation and take risks.
  • Provide clear and constructive feedback throughout the process.
  • Adapt the theme and prompts to fit the specific context and learning objectives.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants struggling to connect personal objects to the theme: Provide guiding questions and examples to spark ideas.
  • Teams getting stuck in the planning phase: Encourage them to start building and iterate as they go.

Variations

  • Use different art forms, such as music or poetry, instead of visual installations.
  • Focus on different themes, such as identity, change, or belonging.
  • Incorporate digital tools for collaborative creation and documentation.

Running it online or hybrid

Consider using a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural for collaborative mind mapping and visual installation documentation. Ensure participants can easily share images of their objects and installations remotely.

What it produces

A collaboratively created visual art installation, documented with photographs, and a shared narrative explaining its meaning.

Origin

Adapted from Transition Makers Toolbox — source

Build a session around Visual Narratives

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

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