The Crazy 8 method of creative thinking is a fast, high-energy method for generating new ideas and overcoming creative blocks.
Here’s how to use the Crazy 8 method:
Step 1: Ask everyone involved (or yourself) to take out a plain white paper
Step 2: Divide the paper into 8 squares. This can be done by folding the paper on the long side along the middle and then in the middle twice. When it is then folded up, there are 8 equal sized squares between the folds.
Step 3: Explain the problem or challenge you want to solve. It can be anything from coming up with a new product idea to finding a solution to a complex problem. By explaining the problem, you ensure that everyone understands the area in which ideas are wanted.
Step 4: Set a timer for 1 minute
Step 5: Start the timer and have each person quickly write down an idea in a box. When 1 minute has passed, you stop the idea generation regardless of whether an idea has come up or not.
to make it more challenging you can give triggers for each box e.g
- Whats is the most obvious thing to do?
- If you do the opposite of this, what do you do?
- what would a 6 year old say?
- what would a teenager say?
- if you had unlimited money?
- if it didn’t cost anything?
- if you had all the time in the world
- if you don’t have any time?
Set a 1 min timer for each box
Step 6: After 8 minutes, when all the boxes are filled in, stop writing and share your ideas with the group or reflect if you are doing the exercise yourself. Encourage each person to share their ideas and build on each other’s ideas.
Step 7: Evaluate and refine your ideas. Consider the feasibility of your ideas and determine which ones have the greatest potential for success. Highlight ideas that have the potential to be worked on further.
Step 8: Repeat the process for another 8 minutes, if desired. The idea is to generate as many new and innovative ideas as possible in a short time.
The Crazy 8 Method is a fun and effective tool for generating new ideas and overcoming creative blocks. By encouraging participants to quickly generate ideas, it is possible to overcome mental barriers and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems because you don’t have “time” to think of “correct” answers and everyone knows that it’s the same for everyone.
If any participant gets too stressed on the first box, give them a little extra time to catch up while the other participants express whether they made it or not.
The Crazy 8 method of creative thinking is a useful tool in a variety of situations where generating new ideas and overcoming creative blocks is critical.
Here are some examples of when the Crazy 8 method can be useful:
Product Development: The Crazy 8 method can be used to generate new product ideas and evaluate the potential of each idea in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
Problem Solving: The Crazy 8 method can be used to overcome creative blocks and find innovative solutions to complex problems by rapidly generating and evaluating new ideas.
Team Brainstorming: The Crazy 8 method can be used in team brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas and perspectives and to encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Innovation and creativity workshops: The Crazy 8 method can be used in workshops focused on innovation and creativity to encourage participants to think outside the box and generate new and innovative ideas.
Marketing and Advertising: The Crazy 8 Method can be used to generate new marketing and advertising ideas and to evaluate the potential impact of each idea in a fast-paced environment.
Personal Development: The Crazy 8 method can be used to generate new ideas for personal growth and development, and to overcome creative blocks in personal and professional life.
The Crazy 8 method is a flexible tool that can be adapted to a variety of situations. By encouraging rapid idea generation, it is possible to overcome mental barriers and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.
So the next time you’re faced with a creative challenge, try using the Crazy 8 method to unlock your creative potential and achieve amazing results.
