the science of play at work
MadLib Scene
With a secret agenda, create the next blockbuster from a mysterious script
PLAYERS
Minimum:
4
Maximum:
12
Ideal:
8
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Long
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
Yes
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Presentation
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Creativity
Interpersonal / Social
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Intermediate
To Custom:
Intermediate
MATRIX
Instinct:
Think
Intent:
How
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
+ madlib
+ artistic materials
+ poster paper
+ timer
Physical Setup
First, split the group into presentation teams (ideally 2-4 people)
Next, supply each team with materials and a madlib
Finally, explain the backstory of the game (see variants)
Virtual Setup
Use breakout rooms and/or digital whiteboards to help facilitate artistic portion. Use shared word documents to organize the madlib process. Spatial Audio tools like Gather.town can also make moving people around easier.
Gameplay
Madlib: Complete a fraction of each madlib equal to the number of teams (i.e. 1/3 the story with 3 teams). Rotate teams until each madlib is filled in.
Scene: Use the madlib, which has input from every team, as inspriation for the prompt. The goal is to create a short presentation (see variants) with your solution.
Review: Decide on favorite presentations, efforts, or moments. Celebrate the creative output.
Variations
Short Scene: The team has 15 minutes to determine how they will act out the madlib. The poster can be a prop.
Blockbuster: The team uses the madlib to design a poster that advertises the next big thing. They then pitch the idea live.
Secret Roles: Hand out 1 additional task to each player before they go into creative work. The goal is to work the task (i.e. include the company logo in the presentation, say the word turtle 3 times) into the final output
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?
How
Position the reflection around pathways and resources for accomplishing goals and future growth:
How did the team organize itself around the rules and objectives?
Did conflict or miscommunication affect the game? How might you address that for next time?
Would more time, people, or resources have shifted the team's approach? How so?