Concept development - Idea generation - Nature Symbol

Purpose

To generate solutions using the Exploring Innovation Style

Duration

15 - 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Think of a goal you are working towards;
2. Select a symbol or metaphor from nature that best captures the spirit and essence of achieving that goal;
3. List the attributes of your nature symbol;
4. For each attribute, brainstorm ways to bring that attribute into a solution for achieving your goal;

Facilitator Notes

Use more than one symbol in order to access the imagination of all the participants. Can be used as an individual exercise.

Example

Suppose you want to improve the corporate culture for innovation… and the nature symbol you choose is a TREE. Some attributes of a tree are: roots, seasonality, hard outer bark, unpredictable limb patterns, leaves that breathe, etc.

For each attribute, what ideas do you get for improving the corporate culture?

• What would provide more "roots" to the culture?
• What would give better cycles and "seasons" to it?
• What could protect the culture like "hard outer bark"?
• What unpredictability might actually stimulate the culture?
• What mutually profitable exchanges might occur (like the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in leaves)?