Which methods are most suitable to transform a vision into a tangible product or service? How can project teams develop their skills and competencies in such a way that they can independently turn their ideas into functional prototypes?
With this site we want to create a collection of methods that support the agile and collaborative implementation of an idea on its journey from napkin to prototype. The goal is to continuously expand this collection as to not only document the working methods of the UNLOCK Accelerator (Deutsche Meta-Version zum Accelerator), but also to make these accessible to others. This Toolbox is maintained within the UNLOCK Accelerator, a program of Wikimedia Deutschland.
The UNLOCK Accelerator supports people with a vision for Free Knowledge in taking their ideas further and developing innovative solutions. The team behind UNLOCK does this by connecting the participants with Free Knowledge Stakeholders, but above all by means of coachings, exchange and collaboration. This is why we provide the participants with tools that support the effective and rapid implementation of their ideas. To do this, we rely on agile and collaborative working methods which we have gathered here in our Tool Box. This is a curated selection of methods that work particularly well for us and are easily transferable to other contexts.
The Accelerator is also designed to work completely digitally. This means that all methods are easily adaptable to a digital setting. Within the framework of the UNLOCK Accelerator, we use a video conferencing tool and a digital whiteboard for the implementation. Both tools are used by us in compliance with GDPR.
Our Toolbox is intended to serve as an inspiration. We would like to share our experiences and best practices, and we invite you to try out the methods listed below and to use and further develop the provided templates. The goal is to continuously add to and expand the Toolbox.
With just a simple check in and check out the participants are mentally present. This method gives each participant a voice and strengthens group dynamics.
Achterbahn
Animal Feelings: Draw a picture of an animal that represents your current mood.
Check In/Out Questions: What is your favorite song to start the day full of energy? What is something you think is essential for an effective work setting? What three words would your team members use to describe you? What was your highlight of today's event? What is your goal for tomorrow? What do you wish for today?
Physical energizers are mainly used to activate body. While simply shaking out arms and legs can already do wonders, various games can also lighten the mood at every meeting, inject the energy into the process, help focus the mind and have fun.
Diamond Dance: Turn up the music and swing your hips! One dancer in turn determines the dance moves.
Everyone who: A virtual game where the group covers up their camera with a sticky note. The moderator makes a statement and everyone whom the statement applies to removes their sticky note revealing everyone answering affirmatively. Ask follow-up questions and take turns making a statement. [Detailed description in German]
Profiles: While one person shares some fun facts about him or herself, the others fill in their profile.
Remote Fitness Check: One group member starts by performing a physical exercise that the others copy. Take turns being the leader and get physical! [Detailed description in German]
Many tools can help to build effective teams by fostering trust and openness for better collaboration as well as for reflection, self-awareness and how to integrate learning and grow.
It is a long way from scribbles on a napkin to a functioning prototype, but an array of agile, team-oriented methods can help with idea generation and implementation.
Problem Pitch: Each team or team member briefly presents a challenge that they currently face to the other participants. In only a few minutes, all others give all their suggestions for solutions or questions to the group that come to mind. [See a template we created and used]
