In short

Let people bring their kids to the office for once. Experience how they can inspire parents to tackle a specific topic.

Why

Sure, we can use techniques to trigger our creative mind. However, you will be amazed what you can learn form a child’s fantasy. Especially when the topic involves change or is related to personal values (like trust, respect or acceptance). This method is very effective to develop an innovative stance on topics like: new ways of working, travelling, school, …

It’s fun to bring your children to work!

Duration

3-4 hours (Lunch break after 2 hours preferred)

What do you need?

Minimum setup

  • 1 facilitator per 8-10 adults
  • 1 facilitator per 8-10 children
  • 1 big room where you can all sit together and 2 separate rooms
  • Paper
  • Markers/pens
  • Magazines
  • All kinds of crafts like glue, scissors, paint and such.
  • Building material or smart bricks like Lego, Playmobil or K’nex.
  • Inspiration cards and templates according to the topic.

How do you do it?

  • Start the workshop with a plenary introduction and an energizer to boost the energy of all participants.
  • Split the group in two. Children in the one room, adults in the other.
  • Each group pays attention to the following levels:
    • Environment
    • Behaviour
    • Capacities
    • Values
    • Identity
    • Purpose/Goal

This is the sequence of the kids’ track. It is easier for children to start contemplating about a possible solution and how it should look like. The adult track, however, starts from the opposite direction. Adults rather prefer to start from a purpose and vision, an approach that usually takes more time to come up with a tangible idea.
 

  • Make sure to select appropriate techniques (see other play techniques on this website) per theme and per level.
  • Try to involve a lot of tinkering to your first technique. Especially adults will benefit from this. They will find it easier to open up the mind for new ideas and suggestions. A visually attractive solution is also more fun for the kids.  
  • After 1,5 to 2 hours, both groups should have tackled all the levels and be prepared to talk about their insights to the other group.
  • Respect break time
  • Show & tell to each other
  • When relevant, work in mixed groups so you can easily integrate different ideas into one big concept.

 

Tip

You can make a video compilation to remember the experience.

 

BYOK is a mixed scenario of divergent and convergent play techniques.