I’d like to flag something: the many benefits of making

In the heart of a bustling design studio, a unique workshop unfolds. The brief is simple yet profoundly impactful: make a flag. This exercise, though straightforward, reveals benefits of making.

Imagine the scene: a room full of IDEO creatives, from novices to veterans, each engaging with materials, their hands, and their design skills. It's a rare sight in our increasingly digital workflow – but something we always advocate in our work: making is not optional.

The idea of a flag emerged as an action from a recent retrospective I facilitated for a design team. They called out a risk of over delivery we joked that an “Over Delivery Flag” would help them raise the issue in the future

We decided to make the metaphor literal.

Fostering Collaboration and Inspiration The workshop transcended mere flag creation; it became a space for collaboration, discussion, and the sparking of new inspirations.

I was reminded of a great podcast episode from 99 Percent Invisible on Flags, well worth a listen for a great example of creative storytelling. And Ryan Murphy from Kyu called out a powerful piece of art in London’s Tate gallery – Flag by Fred Wilson.

Tangibility in design not only fosters creativity but also encourages a rich tapestry of ideas and discussions, proving that the best inspirations stem from the most unexpected sources.

Reengaging with the Physical: A Catalyst for Community

Our hands-on journey was less about the physical artefacts we created and more about the collaborative process and the community we built along the way. The act of making served as a backdrop for vibrant discussions, shared laughter, and the exchange of ideas. It was a reminder of the power of working together in the same space, where the goal was not perfection but participation. The flags we created became symbols of our collective creativity, each one a testament to the idea that excellence in execution pales in comparison to the value of engagement and community building.

Engage, Share, Create: The Heart of Design The workshop demonstrated that with intentional planning, design can be inherently democratic; all designers, regardless of their level of expertise, could contribute.

This inclusivity was key, emphasizing that the real value lies not in flawless execution but in the act of participation and the community that emerges from it.

Raising Flags: A Symbol of Continuous Exploration Our playful yet poignant exploration of "raising a flag" on the topic of over delivery evolved into a literal act of making flags, showcasing our collective desire to exceed expectations while fostering a sustainable work culture. This initiative serves as a metaphor for our ongoing quest to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and practicality, ambition and well-being. It's a commitment to not just meet but exceed our clients' expectations, all while nurturing a culture that values well-being and sustainable practices.

Conclusion: Its more than just the making As we reflect on the flags we've crafted and the discussions they've sparked, let's remember the broader implications of our workshop. It wasn't just about flags; it was about using our hands to forge deeper connections and engage in meaningful conversations about our work and culture.

And by surfacing the critical feedback from the original retrospective, I was keen to make the topic of 'over delivery' something we talk more about. We always want to exceed our client's expectations, but not at the cost of sustainable work. There is more to do on this, but at least we now have a way to make it visible and something we can act on.

How can you bring more making to your meetings?

Post Script

This workshop served as a vivid reminder of the power of hands-on creativity, a concept beautifully encapsulated in "The Expanded Mind" by Annie Murphy Paul, which champions the cognitive benefits of engaging our senses in the learning and creative processes.

Shout out to Emilie Colker for recommending this inspiration. Listen to a great podcast episode on this topic from The Ezra Klein Show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447?i=1000546869257