Step, Stretch, Leap Add/remove

Purpose:

This method is used to generate novel thinking by progressing ideas from straightforward (step), to out-of-the-box (stretch), and finally to ‘what if anything were possible’ (leap). The purpose of the method is not necessarily to implement the leap ideas, but to break the tendency to critically assess ideas too early and instead open up a freer, more imaginative ideation space.

Step by step Facilitating tips Materials needed Goes well with Download template (pdf)

Tips to include participants who are not able to:

Touch

If participants are unable to touch, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the drawing and writing. This could be a helper, documenter, facilitator or other group members. The participants should though still explain their own ideas to not feel excluded.

Think

If participants have a limited ability to grasp the task, increase or reduce the time for the method dependent on the type of thinking limitations.

Focus

If the ability to focus is limited because of time crunch, shorten down the time spent on the method. If the ability is limited because of distractions, make sure facilitators keep a calm and attentive attitude, and prolong time for brainstorming.

Hold

If participants are unable to hold, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the drawing and writing. This could be a helper, documenter, facilitator or other group members. The participants should though still explain their own ideas to not feel excluded.
Ability to see

See

If participants are unable to see, verbally let the participant with the limited sight know how the drawings of the ideas are forming.

Hear

If participants are unable to hear, sign language or other symbol language could be used if an interpreter is present. If not, the steps can be done in writing form. Make sure all ideas have a written explanation.

Speak

If participants are unable to speak, sign language or other symbol language could be used if an interpreter is present. If not, the steps can be done in writing form. Make sure all ideas have a written explanation.

Move

If participants are unable to move, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the drawing and writing. This could be a helper, documenter, facilitator or other group members. The participants should though still explain their own ideas to not feel excluded.

Overview

Input

Ideas

Output

Novel ideas

Complexity

Moderate

Time

15-30 min

Participants

at least 2

Activity

Core abilities:

  • Reflection
  • Uncritical idea generation
  • Writing/drawing

Step by step:

  1. Before this method is conducted, it is recommended to have done some ideation on the solution. The ideas should be gathered for everyone to have a look at.

  2. Decide in what direction you want the proposed ideas to go. Should they become more industrial, more luxurious, more accessible or more fit for children? This could be anything that makes sense for your problem statement.

    One idea from step 1 is chosen as the starting point.

  3. Step: Discuss how the idea could be changed according to the goal. It does not have to be a big change, but a step in the wanted direction. Draw the new idea on the template, a whiteboard, or simply a piece of paper. Use call outs to address changes.

  4. Stretch: Now, take the new idea and alter it again – this time you should think more out of the box. It is perfectly fine if the idea is only realizable if a technology was made better, if the user had more money, etc. Try to avoid thinking about the limitations or restrictions to your project.

    Draw the stretch idea besides the step idea, and add call-outs to address changes.

  5. Leap: Once again, alter the idea you just created. Now, think with no limitations! Starting a sentence with “What if…” is a great way to start the ideation in this phase. Try to go even further in the direction set in the step 2 of the method, thinking in dream scenarios.

    Draw the leap idea besides the stretch idea, and add call-outs.

  6. If you want to further broaden the solution space, move on with another idea from step 1!

When doing this method you should consider:

  • Having a diverse group of people ideate together often makes it easier to think outside the box.
  • All ideas are valid – the point of this exercise is to think outside of what is possible right at the moment.

Materials needed:

  • Whiteboard / paper
  • Markers / pens
  • Optional: Template