the science of play at work
Listography
Test your knowledge and strategy in this list-making competition
PLAYERS
Minimum:
3
Maximum:
6
Ideal:
10
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Short
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
Yes
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Party
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Applied Knowledge
Creativity
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Simple
To Custom:
Simple
MATRIX
Instinct:
Think
Intent:
Why
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
+ writing utensil
+ paper
+ timer
+ prompt cards
+ scoring board
+ player tokens
The official game is also available for purchase.
Physical Setup
First, distribute writing utensils and paper to all players.
Next, shuffle the prompt cards and prepare the scoring board with player tokens.
Finally, set up the 60-second timer to start the first round
Virtual Setup
Use an online whiteboard (i.e. Miro) to create the scoring board with color tokens. One player will manage the prompt cards. Everyone must gather materials to write their lists.
Gameplay
Round 1: Read the list prompt and start the timer. Lists will fall into 1 of 3 categories: write up to 4 things and try to match nobody, write up to 10 things and try to match exactly 1 other person, and write up to 3 things and try to match with as many people as possible. Based on the category, points are awarded for each successful instance. Players move their tokens on the board equal to the points earned, and another prompt is selected.
Round 2+: Repeat the process -- continue making lists and scoring points based on the prompts.
Endgame: When a player crosses the finish line, they win. In the case of multiple players finishing at the same time, whoever "passed" the finish line by the most number of points wins.
Variations
Invent Your Own Prompts: Listography offers a set of card prompts, but there are many other ways to award points (i.e. write 6 things and match exactly 2 players)
Pulse Check
Q. Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged?
Q. Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought?
Q. Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve round-to-round?
BUILDING
Think
Position the reflection around rational planning and communication methods:
Did this game illuminate any patterns in how you give and receive information?
How might it be helpful to know the preferences and tendencies of your colleagues?
Could your team benefit from additional or more diverse perspectives?
Why
Position the reflection around the purpose of playing as a collective group:
Did certain players enjoy the game more than others? Why or why not?
Why did you engage the way you did? Would anything have helped increase your engagement?
Did the outcome surprise you? Why or why not?