the science of play at work
Visionary
Describe your next big idea to the world through your team of hopeful drawers
PLAYERS
Minimum:
2
Maximum:
6
Ideal:
4
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Short
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
Yes
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Party
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Communication
Creativity
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Simple
To Custom:
Simple
MATRIX
Instinct:
Act
Intent:
How
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
+ set of images
+ whiteboard or shared drawing space
+ drawing utensils
+ timer
Physical Setup
First, divide the group into 2 teams and identify a visionary for each.
Next, prepare the drawing materials so that teams can work together.
Finally, present an image to the visionaries to begin the round.
Virtual Setup
Use an online collaboration tool (i.e. Miro or Zoom Annotate) in place of physical materials. Images can be shared through links.
Gameplay
Round 1: Start the timer. Visionaries describe the image to the best of their ability and the drawers try to capture what's said. After the time ellapses, drawings are shown and celebrated.
Round 2+: Choose a new visionary for each team and repeat the process. Consider other elements to spice up the game (see variants).
Variations
Blind Visionary: Instead of being able to see the drawing real time, position the visionary so they cannot, making instruction clarity paramount.
Blind Drawers: One or more of the team drawers cannot see, making the final outcome somewhat chaotic.
Shared Vision: Instead of 1 visionary presenting to a team of drawers, give pieces (halves or quarters) of the image to different visionaries. Together, they must offer a full picture without looking at each other's pieces.
Charades: Instead of the visionary talking, they must act and gesture the image to their team.
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
Act
Position the reflection around the need to be in motion and see measurable progress:
How did your team define success? What indicated you were on the right track?
What game insights can you apply to better handle future times of crisis or uncertainty?
Did this game give you any ideas about how to activate team skills and resources in new ways?
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?