The Crazy 8 Technique for ideating within 8 minutes
Crazy 8's is a core Design Sprint method. It is a fast sketching exercise that challenges people to sketch eight distinct ideas in eight minutes.
The exercise "Crazy 8's" gets its name from the method of folding a paper into eight sections, with each section representing a unique idea. This approach was popularized by Jake Knapp, who is a design partner at Google Ventures. Since then, it has become widely recognized for its effectiveness in solving problems.
The goal is to push beyond your first idea, frequently the least innovative, and to generate a wide variety of solutions to your challenge. Some team members without a design background may find this method intimidating at first, so it is helpful to reassure everyone that these are rough sketches. They do not need to be perfect or beautiful—sketches just need to communicate the idea. If necessary, you could even hold a quick “how to sketch” tutorial session before starting this exercise.
It’s also important to remember that the ideas do not have to be great. This exercise is about quieting the inner critic and giving our creative impulses space to flourish. Weird, impossible, and impractical ideas often give way to truly inspired ones. It’s called Crazy 8’s for a reason.
The Crazy 8 Technique is a project management strategy that involves breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks. The name "Crazy 8" comes from the idea of dividing tasks into eight smaller tasks, like the number eight on its side.
This technique is especially beneficial when dealing with complex or overwhelming projects. By breaking down tasks into smaller chunks, it can help improve focus, productivity, and overall efficiency. Additionally, the Crazy 8 Technique allows for easier tracking of progress and provides a sense of accomplishment as each sub-task is completed.
To implement the Crazy 8 Technique, start by identifying the main task that needs to be completed. Then, break it down into eight smaller, more achievable sub-tasks. Prioritise these sub-tasks based on importance or urgency, and tackle them one at a time. As you complete each sub-task, you'll start to see progress and feel motivated to continue working towards the overall goal.
To start mapping ideas, use the MIRO board template which allows you also to engage and collaborate with your respective team members to brainstorm.
To have a successful brainstorming session, follow these steps:
Huddle with Your Team: Assemble a diverse group of individuals who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Remember, diversity encourages creativity!
Arrange your Team Room: Choose a comfortable and well-lit environment that allows everyone to express their thoughts freely, without fear of judgment.
Introduce the Challenge: Clearly define the problem or challenge you want to solve. Make sure everyone understands it and that it allows for multiple interpretations.
Set a Time Limit: Allocate eight minutes for the Crazy 8's exercise. This time constraint adds a sense of urgency and prevents overthinking.
Fold and Release the ideas: Give each participant a sheet of paper and instruct them to fold it into eight sections, labelling each section with a number. Start the timer and let the ideas flow. Encourage participants to sketch, write keywords, or use any visual representation that helps convey their ideas. You can also use Excel, Figma, or any other tool for this exercise.
Present and Discuss: Once the time is up, have each participant present their ideas one by one. Allow for open discussions, feedback, and the exploration of potential synergies between different ideas.
While the Crazy 8 Technique may sound simple, its effectiveness lies in its ability to simplify complex projects and make them more manageable. Whether you're working on a work project, personal goal, or any task that seems daunting, consider giving the Crazy 8 Technique a try to boost your productivity and make progress towards your objectives.
