Setting the tone of the room when a team convenes for brainstorming, creative problem-solving or inventing is very important. A stiff or structured environment can stifle creativity and freedom of expression, which are essential to really let people stretch their minds.
If you have ever been to an Innovation Focus brainstorming, or Innovation Cycle, you know that we like to set the mood as soon as someone walks in the door. We have pipe cleaners and toys set out on every table, and usually snacks and music playing so that everyone can start to relax and get situated before the real work (and play) begins.
Not only will these toys keep hands busy so people won’t get bored, but they are also great for creativity excursions (like building a prototype out of pipe cleaners). Here is a great list of supplies to set the mood for innovation!
- Fun music playing in the background
- Snacks and drinks
- Multicolored pipe cleaners
- Slinkys
- Koosh balls
- Flexible plastic animals
- Nerf balls
- Puppets
- Finger traps
- Silly putty
- Etch-a-sketches
- Yo-yos
