Description Long

A stimulus word refers to a word that triggers emotional responses, associations, or other automatic mental reactions in individuals. The stimulus word technique initiates a creative process by introducing random words, which helps to spark free association and encourages the formation of new connections. Time pressure and playful competition with other participants help to bypass critical thinking and promote spontaneous, unfiltered idea generation. In this task, participants are given a stimulus word and asked to write down as many related terms as possible within 30 seconds.

Illustration

Preparation

• Select three to five stimulus words that relate to the theme of the workshop.
• Prepare a stopwatch or similar device to keep track of the time.

Execution

1. Explain the method to the participants.
2. Emphasise that the focus is on quantity.
3. Announce a stimulus word and start the timer.
4. Participants try to come up with as many terms as possible within the set time.
5. The person with the most terms is invited to explain them.
6. Repeat the exercise three to five times using different stimulus words.

Hints from experience

• The stimulus words should be chosen in a way that allows for instinctive associations – for example, holidays, nature, money.
• After each round, hold a brief exchange about the words to share inspiration.
• Extension: Each person selects one of the generated word chains and invents a story using the words, told from the perspective of someone living 30 years in the future. They have three minutes to prepare. Afterwards, the story is shared with the group.

Tools list

• Sticky notes
• Writing utensils, pen, pencil
• Stopwatch

References