What does white-water rafting have to do with designing
computer-based training? Maybe nothing on the surface, but for one
of my clients, it was an association that solved a long-standing
problem.
When you're having trouble coming up with a fresh approach
or need some new ideas, using metaphors comparing your situation to
something else is one of the easiest techniques to get ideas
flowing.
The client I mentioned designs training programs for
corporations, nonprofits and government agencies. He had been
frustrated with the slow pace and uneven results of the standard
instructional-design process and wanted to come up with a new
approach.
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When my client shared his frustration at a seminar he was
attending, the facilitator asked him what he liked to do for
recreation. He replied he was an avid white-water rafter. When he
was asked how instructional design was like white-water rafting, he
immediately started to see connections between the two seemingly
unrelated activities.
Although a river is constantly changing, he knows the best way
to respond to those changes is with variations on a few basic
paddle strokes. This led to the realization that one of the most
time-consuming parts of the design process for him was
reprogramming similar computer screens over and over.
As a result of this new insight, my client was able to develop a
design process that incorporates reusable screen templates,
reducing design time by as much as 25 percent.
Here's how you can use this technique in your business. If
you have a question or problem you're trying to solve, choose
an object or an action. (Metaphors depicting an action are usually
more evocative.)
Going further, choose an activity you have some emotional
reaction to, whether it's good or bad. If you have a hard time
coming up with an idea, try one of the following examples: going on
a diet, doing stand-up comedy, running for political office, riding
a bike, running a day-care center, cooking a fancy meal or
disciplining a child.
Think of as many characteristics of the action or object as
possible. Then see what this sparks about your current situation.
Use several metaphors to generate even more ideas.
The constant generation of new ideas is a crucial element in
business. Often, the simplest techniques can spark the most
prolific flow of ideas.
Juanita Weaver is a creativity coach and consultant. She can
be contacted at juanita@juanitaweaver.com.