Description Long

“Idea construction” is a method that fosters creative thinking by combining visualisation with hands-on activity. Participants start by writing down ideas and insights on Post-its to make them visible and to create a clear overview. They then work in small groups to build physical constructions that represent these ideas. The aim is to better understand, refine and make ideas more tangible by combining visual and physical elements. By creating something with their hands, participants internalise the ideas on a deeper, sensory level.

Preparation

• A Miro board is created and shared with the participants. Sections are prepared for idea collection and group allocation.
• For in-person sessions: Provide craft materials (see materials list).
• Define the topic or guiding question and, if necessary, communicate it to participants in advance.

Execution

1. A brief introduction to the method is given by the facilitator (approx. 5 minutes).
2. Participants write down their ideas and insights on the Miro board (approx. 15 minutes).
3. Groups of up to five people are then formed (approx. 5 minutes).
4. Each group creates a model, collage or prototype to make their idea tangible (approx. 40 minutes).
5. Each group presents their construction and explains the idea behind it (approx. 10 minutes).
6. The group gives constructive feedback on the presentations.

Hints from experience

This method was developed for online use but can easily be adapted for in-person sessions:

• Post-its are attached to a pinboard.
• The constructions are created using the craft materials provided.

Tools list

• Arts and craft material
• Big and small paper circles
• Computer/Laptop
• duct tape
• Paper
• Paper and pencil
• Paper off the reel
• Pencils, board markers
• Sticky dots
• Sticky notes
• Surface protection material
• Writing utensils, pen, pencil

References

This method was developed at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts during the CreaLab Summer School 2020 by the group LEFROLE 3.