Description Long

The “Follow-on Word Technique” involves creating a chain of words, each associatively linked to the one before. The goal is to quickly compile a collection of terms related to a specific topic, which can then serve as a basis for further discussion or creative processes.

The facilitator introduces the topic and suggests an initial word that broadly represents the theme. Going clockwise, each participant adds a word that is meaningfully connected to the previous one. All words are recorded in writing. Once the word chain is complete, each participant is given two votes to select the words they find most relevant. The selected words then form the basis for the next phase (e.g. idea generation or group discussion).

Example: The topic is plastic waste. The first person says “plastic waste”, and the next responds with “plastic disposal”.

Illustration

Preparation

• A flipchart and markers, or alternatively paper and pens, should be provided.
• The central topic should be defined in advance and made visible on the board or flipchart.
• A trial run may be conducted to ensure that the procedure is clear to all participants.
• Online: Make sure all participants have access to a digital tool (e.g. Google Docs, Miro).

Execution

1. The purpose of the method is explained: “Today we’ll be creating a creative word chain to gain new perspectives on our topic.”
2. The facilitator begins with a word that relates to the topic, e.g. “plastic”.
3. Each participant takes turns naming a word that is associatively linked to the previous one.
4. The words are written down where everyone can see them.
5. At the end, each person receives two votes to mark the words they find most relevant.
6. The selected words can then be used as a basis for discussions or creative processes.

Hints from experience

• If especially open and creative ideas are sought, we recommend allowing participants to respond freely to each other’s contributions. When more concrete solutions are required, it is best to follow a predetermined speaking order.
• Participants should be encouraged to name words intuitively and without overthinking. The words should be spoken quickly in order to maintain the creative flow.
• For larger groups, several word chains can be created in parallel and later compared.

Tools list

• Paper and pencil
• Flipchart or Whiteboard

References

This method, inspired by the Stimulus Word Technique, was developed by Marc Bauhofer, Bruno Loser, Andreas Marty and Daniel Stumpaber during the 2018 CreaLab Summerschool of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.