How Unencumbered Serious Play Can Help you Create Innovative Change Solutions
Serious play means experimentation with no boundaries or judgement; it encourages divergent thinking and allows you to freely explore new ideas & solutions. Serious play is such a successful exercise that the LEGO Group dedicated a whole range to the methodology. At Midmer we love open thinking and collaboration when generating new ideas.??
In a TED Conferences hosted by Tim Brown, he explains the benefits surrounding serious play. The participatory exercise focuses on freedom when creating ideas, it encourages participants to generate solutions and ideas regardless of the feasibility, or possibility of it being successfully executed; this removes the fear of potential failure or embarrassment in front of peers.?
Why is experimentation so important in design thinking? Generating ideas with no judgement or self-editing allows all ideas to be welcomed and embraced; sometimes the most unlikely ideas can open possibilities and inspire innovative solutions.?
Children are the perfect example of being open to possibilities; children will famously happily play with a cardboard box, not only will they view the box for its intended purpose, but they will also imagine what else it can become, their imagination and creativity are unrestricted. However, as we get older, we soon begin to limit our creativity and begin to self-edit; the reluctance and/or scepticism of participants, or the inability to visualise abstract ideas is a severe limitation when attempting to experiment freely and playfully.?
One way to overcome this reluctance is by collaborating with colleagues; collaboration allows participants to build on each other’s ideas, therefore, relinquishing some of the responsibility, this removes the fear of embarrassment, leading to a more free-flowing session.?
Serious play is an excellent exercise to bond and motivate colleagues whilst allowing each voice to be heard equally and respectfully without the negative attachment of judgement. You could come up with your best ideas yet!?
Watch Tim Brown’s Ted Talk on YouTube to learn about how they positively contribute to an organisation’s development. Also, check out the LEGO range to try it yourself.
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References:?
Tim Brown TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjwUn-aA0VY&t=219s&ab_channel=TED?