8 ideas in 8 minutes: idea generation that gets us beyond brainstorming
Written by Olivia Horge
How do we invite creativity into a group session, especially when the topic is serious or complex? Often, we put pressure on ourselves to think of the best ideas that will solve all our problems. But what if we started with a quick exercise that helps us think outside the box.
IDEA8 is a simple, clever exercise. You give people 8 minutes, a piece of paper, and a prompt: they sketch eight distinct ideas. It instantly shifts people away from overthinking or circular discussions and gets us into making.
Why IDEA8 works
Speed over perfection. You’re not hunting for the “one perfect idea.” You’re after “good enough for now.”
External memory. By sketching in boxes, your mind is freed from holding onto earlier ideas — you can move on to new ones. It helps us get past the attachment we might have with our initial idea.
Prompted play. The eight prompt questions act as gentle nudges. They give permission to be playful, wild, focused, or silly. And help people think of ideas when they might have thought they have nothing to contribute.
Individual reflection. Working on our ideas alone means we’re not influenced by others’ thoughts or reactions. It takes away the pressure to fit in with the group and creates space for everyone to think freely — especially for introverted or neurodivergent people who might need a bit more time or quiet to come up with ideas.
What you need
- Paper — one sheet per person
- Pens or markers
- Timer — your phone will do
How it works
1 – Framing
Share the intention of why you want to use this practice. Whether it’s to gather new ideas around an innovation or as a way to help people warm up around a complex topic.
2 – Prepare the prompts
For each of the 8 sections, prepare a prompt that helps people think about a topic or project. Prepare the prompts so that they build on each other.
3 – Fold the paper
Each person folds their page in half three times. When unfolded, you’ll have a paper with eight sections.
Let people do the folding themselves. That physical action helps ground them into the exercise and start thinking differently.
4 – Start the timer & go
1 minute per box. At each minute mark, share the next prompt. Continue until all 8 prompts have been said.
Remind participants that their notes are for them to gather their thoughts. They can simply write one word or even draw to help them remember.
Two examples of where we’ve used Idea8
#1 – Generate ideas for a school wellness program
We ran this exercise in high schools across Québec that wanted to create a “Wellness Innovation Lab” and explore new ways to welcome students into activities that build connections and foster positive emotions. The organizers wanted to hear directly from students and staff to understand what would best support wellness in their schools.
We used these prompts:
- The very first idea that popped into your head
- Silly or wild idea (something you don’t expect to “work”)
- Netflix idea — something you’ve seen in a show or movie
- Unlimited — imagine there are no constraints (money, time, resources)
- Something that would have an impact for you personally
- Combine any two ideas you’ve already sketched
- Steal from your neighbour (Glance at someone else’s sheet. If you like something, borrow it, remix it, and sketch your version.)
- “Tomorrow we could…” — what might you start immediately?
#2 – Harvesting our shared learnings
We used the Ide8 process as a shared learning process to reflect on a recent training experience. Participants had their first experience hosting the Flow Game.
We used this prompts:
- What stayed with you from the game that you want to remember?
- What’s sticking with you from the “powerful questions” session teach you?
- What’s something you want to pay attention to when you host a Flow Game?
- What’s landed in you or is clear around the Flow Game for you now?
- What are you unsure of? What is not so clear for you?
- What question do you have around the Flow Game?
- Who can support you as a Flow Game host?
- How do you imagine your next game?
What’s next?
Invite people to highlight 2 or 3 ideas or thoughts on their paper that they feel are relevant to share based on the initial intention. Take some time to share in groups of 2 to 4 people and to see what emerges from these conversations by asking the groups to narrow down to a specific number of ideas that they want to move forward on for the initiative.
Want to know more about harvesting?
Read the article or contact us to know how we can help you be more creative!