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Facilitator's Guide to the Low-Tech Ideation Workshop

Overview

The Low-Tech Ideation Workshop is designed to guide teams of four participants through a structured and engaging process that explores and develops design concepts within the Low-Tech framework. The workshop is ideal for later-stage concept development and takes approximately 3–4 hours.

This file provides essential information for setting up and running the workshop, along with instructions for preparing the resources included in the directory.

Resources Provided

1. Files for Fabrication:

• Small Whiteboard SVG: Laser cut from 3mm acrylic.
• Whiteboard Feet STL: 3D print to create stand-up feet for the whiteboard.
• Card Deck Box PDF: Includes layers for laser cutting or manual assembly.

2. Workshop Materials:

Workbooks and Guides:

• Current State Analysis Worksheet
• Root Cause Analysis Worksheet
• Circular Economy Mapping Worksheet
• Ideation Game Zine
• Ideation Cards PDF

Setup Checklist

• Materials to Prepare
• Provide 4 HB pencils per team.
• Include 1 pencil eraser per team.
• Add 1 set of whiteboard markers per team.
• Supply 1 A6 plain paper work pad per participant for sketching.
• Provide small sticky dots (for dot voting).

Pack all resources into a suitable container (a recycled shoe box is perfect; however, if you need to purchase one, the IKEA VATTENTRÅG box is recommended.)

Fabrication Requirements

1. Fabricate the small whiteboards using the SVG file.
2. 3D print the feet for whiteboards using the STL file.
3. Assemble the card deck box according to the instructions in the PDF file.

Additional Recommendations

Ensure a well-lit, comfortable workspace with ample room for sketching and discussion.

Minimise distractions by avoiding the use of digital devices during the session.

Optionally, supplement the provided resources with materials such as markers, Post-it Notes, or modelling clay for enhanced ideation.

Role of the Facilitator

As the facilitator, you play a crucial role in enabling creativity, guiding

discussions, and ensuring the workshop flows smoothly. Your responsibilities include:

1. Encouraging Low-Tech Ideas:

Help teams apply Low-Tech principles to their designs by asking thought-provoking questions.

Reinforce the importance of simplicity, sustainability, and appropriateness for the given context.

2. Managing Discussions:

Facilitate conversations on the application of Low-Tech philosophies to ensure all voices are heard.

Promote critical thinking and collaboration by challenging teams to

Justify and refine their ideas.

3. Providing Feedback and Inspiration:

Offer constructive feedback that aligns with the workshop’s goals.

Provide examples, anecdotes, or prompts to inspire creativity when teams feel stuck.

4. Curating Feedback Sessions:

Between activities, chair team feedback sessions are held where groups can share their progress and insights.

Encourage teams to learn from each other and incorporate feedback into their work.

5. Empowering Creativity:

Create an environment where participants feel free to explore unconventional ideas without fear of judgment.

Focus on enabling teams to generate and refine ideas, rather than dictating specific outcomes or solutions.

Your role is to guide and inspire without imposing limitations. By striking a balance between encouragement and critique, you ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Facilitator Notes

1. Pre-Workshop Preparation:

Confirm that participants have completed the pre-workshop tasks, including background research, early-stage concept generation, and analysis insights.

Familiarise yourself with the worksheets and zine provided in the directory.

2. Running the Workshop:

Follow the outlined activities in the instructions PDF, progressing through:

1. Root Cause Analysis
2. Current State Analysis
3. Ideation Game (using Ideation Cards)
4. Circular Economy Mapping

Encourage collaboration and the sharing of ideas among teams.

3. Closing the Workshop:

Use sticky dots for team voting to narrow down ideas.

Summarise key concepts and document outcomes for future refinement.

4. Post-Workshop:

Collect whiteboards and other reusable resources for subsequent sessions.

Encourage participants to keep their zines as a reference for future low-tech design