Participatory Methods
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Speed Storming

Speed Storming
Duration
From 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of participants and rounds.
Participants
From 6 to 20 people, to facilitate rotation and smooth interaction.
Areas of application
Educación y formaciónDesarrollo comunitarioGestión organizacional y empresarialPlanificación urbana y ruralSalud y bienestar socialArte, cultura y creatividadSostenibilidad y medio ambientePolíticas públicas y gobernanzaInnovación y diseñoInvestigación y evaluaciónResolución de conflictosTecnología y entornos digitalesParticipación ciudadana y social
Participation level
ColaboraciónDecisión conjuntaGeneración de conocimientoIntercambio de perspectivas
Target audience
EducadoresFacilitadoresEstudiantesLíderes comunitariosONGs y colectivos socialesEquipos empresarialesFuncionarios públicosDiseñadores creativosInvestigadores
Speed storming is a participatory dynamic that combines speed and collaboration to generate ideas and solutions in a short time. Similar to the "speed dating" format, participants work in pairs or small groups, quickly exchanging ideas before switching partners. This approach fosters creativity and diverse perspectives in tackling a problem or challenge.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Determine the goal of the activity:
      • Generate creative solutions?
      • Address a specific problem?
      • Explore opportunities for a project?
  2. Prepare materials:
    • A clock or timer to control time.
    • Sticky notes or paper for participants to write down ideas.
    • Whiteboards, flip charts, or digital tools to collect proposals.
  3. Set up the space:
    • In-person: Arrange tables or chairs in pairs or small groups, allowing easy rotation.
    • Virtual: Use breakout rooms on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for one-on-one interactions.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduction to the purpose
    • Explain the goal and steps of the activity.
    • Present the central question or problem for generating ideas.
  2. Divide participants
    • Split the group into pairs or small teams.
    • If the group is large, organize multiple rounds to ensure everyone interacts.
  3. Idea exchange
    • Give a brief time (2-4 minutes) for pairs to discuss and propose solutions or ideas related to the topic.
    • Each participant must contribute at least one idea per round.
  4. Rotation
    • After each round, participants switch partners or teams and repeat the process, adding new perspectives or improving existing ideas.
  5. Recording ideas
    • Participants write down their discussed solutions on sticky notes, cards, or digital tools.
    • Designate a common space (physical or virtual) to collect all ideas.
  6. Group review and analysis
    • After completing the rounds, review the collected ideas as a group.
    • Group similar proposals and analyze which ones are most viable, creative, or relevant.
  7. Closing and reflection
    • Summarize the main generated ideas and reflect on the process:
      • What worked well?
      • Which ideas stand out?
      • How can the solutions be implemented?

Purpose

The purpose of Speed Storming is to foster creativity, accelerate idea generation, and promote collaboration among participants by exchanging perspectives in a dynamic and structured manner.

Required materials

  • Clock or timer to track time.
  • Sticky notes, paper, or digital tools to record ideas.
  • Whiteboards or flip charts to organize solutions.

Platforms

Practical recommendations

  • Focus the question: Clearly define the problem or topic to guide idea generation.
  • Encourage diversity: Ensure that pairs or teams change each round to maximize perspectives.
  • Document all ideas: Even if they seem unfeasible at first, they might inspire future solutions.
  • Adjust the time: If participants generate ideas quickly, reduce the time per round.

Inspiration

Examples of Themes for Speed Storming Sessions
  • Solutions for Climate Change
  • Innovation in Education
  • New Product or Service Lines
  • Fundraising Strategies
  • Solutions to Improve Team Communication
  • Designing User Experiences (UX)
  • Proposals for Revitalizing Community Spaces
  • Social Awareness Campaigns
  • Plans for Creative Events
  • Improvements in Organizational Processes
  • Solutions for Urban Mobility
  • Disruptive Marketing Strategies
  • Actions to Promote Inclusion and Diversity
  • Collaborative Artistic Projects
  • Technological Adaptations for People with Disabilities