Participatory Methods

Speed Storming

Speed storming is a participatory dynamic that combines speed and collaboration to generate ideas and solutions in a short time. Similar to the “speed dating” format, participants work in pairs or small groups, quickly exchanging ideas before switching partners. This approach fosters creativity and diverse perspectives in tackling a problem or challenge.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Determine the goal of the activity:
      • Generate creative solutions?
      • Address a specific problem?
      • Explore opportunities for a project?
  2. Prepare materials:
    • A clock or timer to control time.
    • Sticky notes or paper for participants to write down ideas.
    • Whiteboards, flip charts, or digital tools to collect proposals.
  3. Set up the space:
    • In-person: Arrange tables or chairs in pairs or small groups, allowing easy rotation.
    • Virtual: Use breakout rooms on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for one-on-one interactions.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduction to the purpose
    • Explain the goal and steps of the activity.
    • Present the central question or problem for generating ideas.
  2. Divide participants
    • Split the group into pairs or small teams.
    • If the group is large, organize multiple rounds to ensure everyone interacts.
  3. Idea exchange
    • Give a brief time (2-4 minutes) for pairs to discuss and propose solutions or ideas related to the topic.
    • Each participant must contribute at least one idea per round.
  4. Rotation
    • After each round, participants switch partners or teams and repeat the process, adding new perspectives or improving existing ideas.
  5. Recording ideas
    • Participants write down their discussed solutions on sticky notes, cards, or digital tools.
    • Designate a common space (physical or virtual) to collect all ideas.
  6. Group review and analysis
    • After completing the rounds, review the collected ideas as a group.
    • Group similar proposals and analyze which ones are most viable, creative, or relevant.
  7. Closing and reflection
    • Summarize the main generated ideas and reflect on the process:
      • What worked well?
      • Which ideas stand out?
      • How can the solutions be implemented?
Recommendations
  • Focus the question: Clearly define the problem or topic to guide idea generation.
  • Encourage diversity: Ensure that pairs or teams change each round to maximize perspectives.
  • Document all ideas: Even if they seem unfeasible at first, they might inspire future solutions.
  • Adjust the time: If participants generate ideas quickly, reduce the time per round.
Inspiration
Examples of Themes for Speed Storming Sessions
  • Solutions for Climate Change
  • Innovation in Education
  • New Product or Service Lines
  • Fundraising Strategies
  • Solutions to Improve Team Communication
  • Designing User Experiences (UX)
  • Proposals for Revitalizing Community Spaces
  • Social Awareness Campaigns
  • Plans for Creative Events
  • Improvements in Organizational Processes
  • Solutions for Urban Mobility
  • Disruptive Marketing Strategies
  • Actions to Promote Inclusion and Diversity
  • Collaborative Artistic Projects
  • Technological Adaptations for People with Disabilities
Materials
  • Clock or timer to track time.
  • Sticky notes, paper, or digital tools to record ideas.
  • Whiteboards or flip charts to organize solutions.
Online platforms
Purpose
The purpose of Speed Storming is to foster creativity, accelerate idea generation, and promote collaboration among participants by exchanging perspectives in a dynamic and structured manner.
Type of activity
Participatory DesignParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Learning
Level of participation
Collaboration, Shared decision-making, Knowledge generation, Exchange of perspectives
Target audience
Educators, Facilitators, Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government, Creative designers, Researchers
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Art, culture, and creativity, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Technology and digital environments, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
From 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of participants and rounds.
Ideal number of participants
From 6 to 20 people, to facilitate rotation and smooth interaction.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationActive ReflectionAgile MethodologiesCollaborative InnovationCollaborative ReflectionCreative Problem SolvingCreative ReflectionGroup CreativityIdea ExchangeIdea GenerationIdea VisualizationInnovative SolutionsParticipatory InnovationPractical CreativityProblem SolvingSolution GenerationTeam CollaborationTeamwork
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