Coming up with innovative ideas for an already established product can be a challenge. New thinking is often needed to keep a product fresh and attractive, but without completely changing it or risking losing what customers already like.
This is where “Concept Poker” comes in – a playful method of generating new ideas by playing with properties in a poker-inspired form.
What is Concept Poker?
Concept poker is a creative method where you start from a product’s existing properties and mix them with new, sometimes unusual or even contradictory properties. The idea is to create new concepts for the product by drawing and changing cards – just like in a poker game – and then develop an idea proposal based on the cards you have in hand.
The method is excellent for product development where major changes are not the goal, but rather renewal within the framework of an established product. By building on the existing properties, the new ideas feel credible, and the poker format makes the process both engaging and fun.
When should you use Concept poker?
Concept poker is especially good when:
- You are working with an established product that already has a clear identity.
- There is customer feedback or market research that shows what customers appreciate about the product.
- You want to create renewal and improvement without making radical changes.
How does Concept Poker work?
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the method:
1. Collect characteristics of the existing product
Start by identifying the core features that the product already has. It can be about functions, materials, color, size, or other qualities that customers associate with the product. Write each characteristic on a separate card.
2. Create a collection of new and unexpected properties
Brainstorm new features – these can be realistic proposals or completely crazy ideas inspired by other products. This is about thinking broadly and creatively! The goal is to create a selection of properties that are more than those of the original product.
3. Shuffle all trait cards and play according to poker rules
Once you have collected your cards, you shuffle the respective piles and play a game of poker. Draw five cards to each “player” from the first pile and let them make up to two exchanges from the second pile to get the most interesting combination possible.
By having the participants start from the familiar pile and in the exchanges compromise from the new pile, a good balance is created between old and new.
4. Create a new concept from your hand
Once the exchanges are made, each player must use their “hand” to create a new product concept based on the cards they have. Combine the properties in a creative way and try to find something new and useful for the product!
5. Selection of the best concept
If you are multiple players, you can vote on the best or most creative concept to create a competitive spirit.
Examples of poker hands and ideas
Let’s say you’re developing ideas for a well-known product: a coffee maker. After doing steps 1 and 2, you now have a mix of both existing and new trait cards, for example:
- Original cards
fast, compact, durable, environmentally friendly, stylish. - New cards
scent-enhancing, self-cleaning, silent, app-controlled, color-changing, water-resistant, wall-mounted, LED display, infrared heating.
Example hand 1
- Example Hand 1
fast, app-controlled, self-cleaning, LED display, fragrance enhancement. - Concept
A new version of the coffee maker that focuses on convenience and experience. With the app control, the user can start the coffee brewing from the bed, while the built-in aroma enhancement means that the kitchen is filled with coffee aroma even before the coffee is ready. The LED display shows the remaining time until the coffee is ready, and the self-cleaning means that the user does not have to think about keeping the machine clean.
Example hand 2
- Hand 2
stylish, color changing, fast, infrared heat, compact. - Concept
A new version that combines high-performance technology and a modern, minimalist look. The infrared heat makes the coffee brew faster and more evenly, while the color-changing design adapts to the temperature – cool, light color when the coffee maker is off, and warm, dark color when the coffee is ready. Perfect for small kitchens where aesthetics and functionality must interact.
Tips to keep in mind when playing Concept poker
- Stick to a maximum of two changes
The limitation makes the process more challenging and exciting, which also stimulates creativity. - Think broadly with your new features
Choose characteristics that may at first seem unexpected, this is often where the most innovative ideas emerge. - Do it with competition
If there are several of you working together, a competitive element can create an extra dimension and increase commitment.
Summary
Concept poker is a simple but powerful method for creating new ideas and renewing established products without having to make drastic changes. By playing out characteristics in a poker game, you get an engaging process where you are challenged to think creatively within the framework of what already works.
