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Superheroes
This idea generation technique is good for building an atmosphere of light-hearted fun in which energy is high and fantasy is acceptable. Mythical superheroes have skills and capacities that are outside "normal" behavior. Participants pretend to be a fictional hero (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, James Bond, the X-Men, Sherlock Holmes, Spiderman, etc.) and use their "super" characteristics to trigger ideas.
Superheroes is boundary-stretching technique similar exaggeration or discontinuity. Using this technique encourages people to think outside of the norm. Having a role allows people to express more unusual ideas that they might not normally express "as themselves." Superhero stories have strong elements of wish fulfillment, and can therefore help people to express wishes. Very "serious" or introverted groups may find the superhero technique difficult.
Action Steps.
- Prepare in advance a set of general information on each superhero. This could include name, special powers, weaknesses, pen picture, background, and a picture. You can provide props if you have an extravert group.
- Display and discuss the problem to ensure everyone understands the core issues.
- Have each participant select a superhero. Get them to think a little about that superhero and talk to them about what life is like as a superhero in order to help them get into the role. They may want to talk in first person ("I have the ability to see through any material except for lead") or in third person ("Wonder Woman has a magic lasso that forces you to tell the truth")
- Start by getting each super hero to voice a few ideas. Allow other super heroes to trigger off the others ideas. Perhaps if Superman and Wonder Woman worked together they could produce an improved solution.
- When you have sufficient ideas, evaluate them as usual.
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