Brainstorming activities

Idea Generation at the MTF MOM National Makeathon

Here are some creativity games for idea generation that students can play before they even get their hands on prototyping technologies:

1. Word Association: In this game, one person says a word, and the next person has to say a word that is associated with it. For example, if the first word is "dog," the next person might say "leash." This game can help students to think creatively and make unexpected connections between ideas.

2. Random Word Generator: Students can use online tools or a deck of cards to generate random words. Once they have a word, they can use it as a prompt for brainstorming ideas. For example, if the random word is "banana," students might brainstorm ideas for a banana-themed game or app.

3. SCAMPER: SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse. It is a brainstorming technique that encourages students to explore different ways of thinking about a problem or challenge.

4. Reverse Thinking: In this game, students try to come up with the opposite of a given idea. For example, if the idea is to create a game that involves running, students might brainstorm ideas for a game that involves sitting still. This game can help students to think creatively and break out of their usual patterns of thinking.

5. What If?: This game involves asking "what if?" questions to encourage students to think creatively and outside the box. For example, "what if we could teleport instead of using cars?" or "what if we could breathe underwater?"

6. Improv: Improv games can help students to think on their feet and come up with creative ideas quickly. Games like "Yes, and..." or "Fortunately/Unfortunately" can be a fun way to get students thinking creatively.

7. Evil Brainstorming: Evil brainstorming involves thinking about a problem from a different perspective. Instead of thinking about how to solve the problem, students think about how to make the problem worse. They can then brainstorm solutions to prevent these negative outcomes and defeat the evil!

8. Mind Mapping: Students can create mind maps to explore different ideas and connections between them. They can start with a central idea (like "games for the Micro:Bit") and branch out to explore different possibilities and variations.

These games can help students to generate creative ideas and think outside the box, which can be helpful when it comes to designing and building creative solutions to grand societal problems.

You could even try using the MOM Cards that we developed. There are specific idea generation games for those cards outlined in the Youthworker Resource Pack. Check it out!