Facilitation · 1-hour sessions to multi-day workshops

Gamestorming (Opening-Exploring-Closing)

A collaborative methodology that applies game mechanics and visual thinking to business challenges. It provides a structured environment for groups to break out of routine thinking patterns and co-create solutions through divergent and convergent stages.

When to use Gamestorming (Opening-Exploring-Closing)

Ideal for innovation workshops, strategic planning, complex problem-solving, and any scenario where traditional meeting structures fail to produce creative or actionable results.

How Gamestorming (Opening-Exploring-Closing) works

Facilitators can integrate this by mapping their session arc to the three phases: selecting 'Opening' games to generate ideas, 'Exploring' games to test and iterate on concepts, and 'Closing' games to drive consensus and action items.

Phases of Gamestorming (Opening-Exploring-Closing)

  1. Opening
  2. Exploring
  3. Closing

Key principles

  • Divergent and Convergent Thinking
  • Visual Thinking and Artifact Creation
  • Structured Play and Game Mechanics
  • Shared Mental Models
  • Rule-breaking for Innovation

Best for

  • Collaborative Innovation
  • Strategic Alignment
  • Team Building and Problem-Solving

Considerations

  • Requires a high level of psychological safety for participants to engage in 'play'
  • Facilitators must be skilled in time management to ensure the group reaches the 'Closing' phase
  • May require cultural adaptation for highly conservative or hierarchical organizations

Attribution & sources

Developed by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, and James Macanufo, 2010

Primary source

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