The “Yes And” Innovation Game

Saying “no” is important for setting boundaries in business and pleasure. But when creating new concepts and innovations, words “no” and “but” stop the creative process. Here is how to use techniques from Improvisational Theatre for more constructive communication.

Just like our heart expands and contracts, we first expand our ideas and then contract to the most suitable ones. There are no bad ideas, just great ideas in the wrong context. When expanding it is critical to keep an open mind, not to analyze, and create as many alternatives as possible in the given time.

Analyzing during a brainstorming session disconnects our brain from the present moment and creativity. Instead of analyzing ideas right away, take a coffee break or schedule a separate session for analyzing and choosing the best alternatives to proceed with.

Improvisational Theatre has useful methods for inspiring communication. With each spoken word or action, a person makes an offer, meaning that he or she defines some element of the concept’s or idea’s reality. This might include stating a business goal, identifying a benefit, relationship, shortcoming, or question to be answered by the next person.

It is the responsibility of the other persons to accept the offers that the others make; not doing so is known as blocking, negation, or denial, which prevents the concepts or ideas from developing. Accepting an offer is usually accompanied by adding a new offer, often building on the earlier one; this is a process referred to as “Yes, And…” and is the cornerstone of improvisational technique.

Purpose of the “Yes And” Innovation Game

The purpose of the game is to create or gather as many ideas as possible in the time given (usually 15, 30, or 60 minutes). The game rules allow extending the previous ideas, or creating new ones depending on each player’s decision.

Requirements for the Game

Have at least two people, peaceful environment, and 15-60 minutes of time. For the game to succeed (i.e. to produce useful ideas), all players should be somewhat familiar with the product or project domain, and have at least some capability and motivation to create and discuss new ideas and concepts. All players and their opinions are equally important, and even the Product Owner is not allowed to say “no” or “but” during the game, as he or she will have the opportunity to accept or reject the game results into the Product Backlog after the game.

How to Play

1.  Have 2-9 players sit down comfortably, preferably in a circle formation with coffee mugs or other drinks.
2. Welcome players and agree on the maximum game time (usually 30 or 60 minute time-box). Then set a game goal, for example “Our goal here is to create product concept ideas for our 2.0 Mobile Travel App in 60 minutes. Ready?”
3. Nominate a secretary (unless yourself) and ask him or her to take notes.
4. OPTIONAL WARM-UP. To set creative mood, ask all players to take an empty sheet of paper and write down their “worst ideas” in 5 minutes without any critical thought. After the time-box of 5 minutes stop the players and tell them that they are welcome to use these ideas in the game, or not. This step was just to open the creative thinking process.
5. Ask the Product Owner or someone else to start by repeating the business goal or context.
6. Ask the next player (clockwise) to start her turn with “Yes, and…” followed with either 1) building or extending the previous idea, 2) introducing a new idea, or 3) asking a clarification question.
7. In case of a question, only the next player (clockwise) will answer it after the standard “Yes, and…” beginning.
8. Observe the time-box of 60 minutes, and in the end thank everyone for their cooperation.
9. Ask the secretary to send the game notes to all players and the Product Owner who can then accept or reject the ideas into the Product Backlog.

The Yes And Innovation Game uses improvisational techniques to create, gather, and cultivate ideas as teamwork. You can also use the “Yes, and…” technique for creative discussions with friends and family, as long as your personal boundaries are not endangered. Happy brainstorming!