Participatory Methods

Intro Bingo

Intro Bingo is a participatory activity designed to break the ice and encourage group interaction. Participants receive bingo cards with squares containing attributes or experiences and must find people in the group who match those criteria. This fun and engaging activity helps members get to know each other in an enjoyable and active way.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Encourage interaction and mutual knowledge within the group.
    • Promote an atmosphere of trust and openness.
    • Break the ice at the beginning of meetings or group events.
  2. Prepare the materials:
    • Printed or digital bingo cards with customized squares (4×4 or 5×5).
    • Pencils, pens, or markers.
    • Optional: small prizes for the winners.
  3. Set up the space:
    • Arrange a spacious area where participants can move freely to interact.
    • For virtual sessions, use video conferencing tools with breakout rooms or chat features to facilitate the activity.
  4. To conduct the activity virtually:
    • Use collaborative platforms like Questiory or online bingo apps to create personalized cards.
    • Encourage the use of chat, microphones, or polling features to complete the squares.
    • Set up virtual breakout rooms for participants to interact and share answers.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain that the objective is to get to know each other by completing the bingo cards with the help of other participants.
    • Mention that they need to interact, ask questions, and find matches within the group.
  2. Distribute the cards
    • Hand out a bingo card to each participant (physical or digital).
    • Explain that each square should be filled with the name of a person who meets the specified criterion.
  3. Group interaction
    • Ask participants to move freely around the space (or use virtual tools) to interact with others.
    • Each person can sign only one square per card to encourage a wider range of interactions.
  4. Achieving bingo
    • When a participant completes a row, column, or diagonal, they must announce “Bingo!” and present their card.
    • Verify the responses and, optionally, award a small prize.
  5. Group reflection
    • Facilitate a brief discussion about the experience:
      • What did they learn about the group?
      • Did they discover anything in common with other participants?
Recommendations
  • Customize the bingo cards with characteristics relevant to the group (e.g., interests, work experiences).
  • Include a mix of easy and challenging squares to keep participants engaged.
  • Set a time limit to complete the bingo and maintain high energy levels.
  • Reflect on how this activity can serve as a foundation for future group interactions.
Inspiration

Examples of Sections for Bingo Cards

  • Has worked for the government.
  • Has lived in more than two countries.
  • Is a polyglot (speaks more than three languages).
  • Exercises regularly.
  • Is vegetarian or vegan.
  • Has an unusual pet.
  • Has written a book or a published article.
  • Has participated in a marathon.
  • Is a tech expert.
  • Has traveled to more than 10 countries.
  • Enjoys gardening.
  • Plays a musical instrument.
  • Loves board games.
  • Has studied online.
  • Volunteers at an NGO.
  • Has a unique collection.
  • Is an avid reader.
  • Has recently learned a new language.
  • Prefers coffee over tea.
  • Is passionate about cinema.
  • Has taken art or dance classes.
  • Is left-handed.
  • Has more than three siblings.
  • Has worked remotely for over a year.
  • Loves extreme sports.
  • Has adopted a pet.
  • Has outstanding culinary skills.
  • Has moved more than five times.
  • Has organized a community event.
  • Loves puzzles or brain teasers.
Materials
  • Personalized bingo cards.
  • Writing tools or digital devices.
Online platforms
Purpose
The purpose of Intro Bingo is to facilitate interaction and mutual understanding among participants. Through a playful activity, participants discover shared interests, experiences, and characteristics, helping to create an atmosphere of trust, openness, and group connection.
Type of activity
Participatory Interaction
Level of participation
Collaboration, Knowledge generation
Target audience
Students, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams
Fields of application
Education and training, Organizational and business management, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
20-30 minutes, depending on the group size and engagement level.
Ideal number of participants
10-30 participants, ideally in a setting that allows free movement and interaction.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationCollaborative GameCreative Problem SolvingGamificationGroup IdentityGroup StrengtheningIcebreaker ActivityInclusive ParticipationKnowledge GenerationPositive CommunicationTeam CreativityTeam-Building ActivitiesTeamwork
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