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Crazy 8 (deutsch: Crazy 8)

The “Crazy 8” method is a quick and effective creative technique in which eight ideas are sketched or described in a short space of time. It encourages spontaneous inspiration and is ideal for generating a variety of approaches to a given topic.

Organisation

  • Duration
    Short (up to 30 minutes)
  • Complexity
    Simple
  • Group size
    2 to 100 persons

This activity is not suitable online.

Description Long

The method is used in brainstorming sessions to generate as many ideas as possible in a short space of time. Each person creates eight sketches or short descriptions within five minutes. The aim is to overcome mental blocks and encourage creative flow through time pressure.

Participants fold sheets of paper into eight equal-sized sections. A timer is set for 40 seconds per section. When the time is up, a signal sounds to move on to the next one.

Optional: Participants can choose their best ideas and share them with the group. This is followed by a discussion on which approaches could be explored further.

Preparation

  • A room is required where participants can work without distractions.
  • Lay out the necessary materials (paper, pens, timer).
  • Define the central topic or question to be addressed and clearly communicate it at the start.
  • Test the method in advance to ensure that the time limit is practical.

Execution

  1. The facilitator begins by explaining the aim of the exercise to the participants (e.g. generating ideas for a product or solving a problem). It is important to establish a shared understanding of the topic to be explored.
  2. Each person receives a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Participants fold the sheet three times (horizontally and vertically) to create eight equal-sized rectangles.
  3. The facilitator gives a start signal. Everyone then has 40 seconds to sketch or briefly describe an idea in the first section. After 40 seconds, the facilitator signals to move on to the next one. This process is repeated eight times. After five minutes, the exercise ends.
  4. Once finished, participants can briefly present their ideas, and the facilitator may initiate a discussion or a prioritisation process.

Hints from experience

  • Avoid perfectionism: Participants should be reminded that the focus is not on perfect drawings or wording, but on quick, spontaneous ideas.
  • If necessary, the 40 seconds per section can be slightly adjusted depending on the complexity of the topic.

Tools list

  • Paper and pencil
  • Stopwatch

References