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.