Ideation · intermediate · 20 min

Blueprint Brainstorming Blitz

This method generates a large number of ideas for improving the service blueprint in a short amount of time. It encourages creative thinking and collaboration, focusing on quantity over quality. The rapid pace helps to overcome mental blocks and generate novel solutions. This method directly contributes to the workshop's goal of making the blueprint more interactive.

What participants gain

  • Participants will be able to generate a large number of ideas in a short amount of time.
  • Participants will be able to think creatively and collaboratively.
  • Participants will be able to identify potential areas for innovation in the service blueprint.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer
  • Pens or pencils

How to run Blueprint Brainstorming Blitz, step by step

  1. Explain the purpose of the activity: to generate as many ideas as possible for improving the service blueprint (5 min).
  2. Set a timer for 10 minutes and instruct participants to write down as many ideas as they can on sticky notes (10 min).
  3. Each participant shares their ideas with the larger group, posting them on the whiteboard or flip chart (10 min).
  4. Facilitate a brief discussion to clarify and categorize the ideas (5 min).
  5. Summarize the key takeaways and next steps (2 min).
  6. Ask participants to share 'one thing they learned' from the session, and any ideas they have for improvement.
  7. Encourage participants to 'think outside the box' and suggest radical changes to existing process.
  8. If participants get stuck, prompt them with questions like, 'What would make this service truly exceptional?' or 'How can we surprise and delight our customers?'

Facilitator tips

  • Set a clear goal for the brainstorming session.
  • Encourage wild and unconventional ideas.
  • Build on each other's ideas and avoid criticism.
  • Keep the energy high and the pace fast.
  • Use phrases like, 'What if we could...?' or 'How might we...?' to stimulate creative thinking.

Common challenges

  • Participants may struggle to generate ideas under pressure. - Provide prompts or examples to get them started.
  • Ideas may be too vague or impractical. - Encourage participants to elaborate on their ideas and make them more concrete.
  • Some participants may dominate the brainstorming session. - Use a round-robin approach to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
  • Participants may get stuck on existing problems rather than generating new solutions. - Redirect their focus to the future and potential improvements.

Running it virtually

Use a shared digital whiteboard like Miro or Mural to capture ideas. Utilize a timer to keep the pace fast and encourage rapid idea generation. Use virtual sticky notes for easy collaboration.

Expected results

A large number of ideas for improving the service blueprint. Participants will generate novel solutions and identify potential areas for innovation.

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