Crazy 8’s is a core Design Sprint method. It is a fast sketching exercise that challenges people to sketch eight distinct ideas in eight minutes. The goal is to push beyond your first idea, frequently the least innovative, and to generate a wide variety of solutions to your challenge. :- Google Design Sprints
In the world of design sprints, the ideation phase is where innovation and creativity converge. Among the array of ideation methods, Crazy 8’s stands out as a powerful technique, fostering a deluge of diverse ideas crucial for product and software problem-solving.
Crazy 8’s workshops welcome both designers and non-designers, inviting them to contribute their unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The magic happens within a constrained yet liberating framework: eight minutes to sketch eight distinct ideas on a single sheet of paper folded into eight sections or on eight separate sticky notes. While the sketches might not win awards for artistic prowess, their value lies in unearthing distinct insights into pain points and user experience (UX) flows.
The methodology is straightforward. Equip each participant with a piece of paper divided into eight sections or provide eight sticky notes, ensuring that all sketches are visible at a glance. Set the timer for eight minutes and let the silent ideation begin. Participants focus on putting pen to paper, generating their individual streams of creative consciousness without verbal exchange.
This fast-paced ideation session not only yields a multitude of unique concepts but also encourages participants to push beyond their creative boundaries. Through this structured chaos, the Crazy 8’s method empowers teams to explore new horizons, fostering a plethora of fresh ideas that might not surface through traditional brainstorming.
Harnessing the power of Crazy 8’s can be a game-changer in the ideation phase of any design sprint. It’s a catalyst for unlocking untapped creativity and nurturing an environment where diverse perspectives converge to tackle product and software challenges head-on.
Ready to dive into the exhilarating world of Crazy 8’s? Unleash your team’s creative potential and witness the magic unfold within just eight minutes.
Steps
Provide each participant with a single sheet of paper divided into eight sections, or alternatively, offer eight pieces of sticky notes. Using a paper is preferable as it allows for a comprehensive view of all sketches at a glance.
Allocate eight minutes for all team members to sketch eight distinct ideas on the paper. Participants are expected to maintain silence while sketching and should cease sketching once the eight-minute mark is reached.
