using the mesocard method for brainstorming

Using the Mesocard methodUsing the Mesocard methodfor brainstormingfor brainstorming

Jörg Meyer-Stamer

Three basic Mesocard rulesThree basic Mesocard rules

1 idea per card

Write legibly

3 - 4 lines per card

What materials do you need? What materials do you need?

The fancy option... ... and the affordable & effective option

The standard sequence of a The standard sequence of a Mesocard exerciseMesocard exercise

2. Distribute cards

1. Define a question (consult

with group)

3. Participants write cards

4. Collect and mix cards

5. Show and read cards

6. Pin / fix thecards to panel /

wall

Defining a questionDefining a question

The phrasing of the question deter-mines the result! Discuss the phra-

sing with the groupto avoid confusion

In Miniworkshops:Use the pre-

defined phrases

Distributing cardsDistributing cards

1 colour of cardsand markers= anonymity!

Collect and mix cardsCollect and mix cards

Collect (almost) allcards before reading them

Mix the cards =more anonymity!

Show and read the cardsShow and read the cards

Showing while read-ing makes it easierto understand cards

The next steps in a Mesocard The next steps in a Mesocard exerciseexercise

7. Clarify contentof cards

8. Eliminateduplicates

9. Cluster the cards (similar / related topics)

Engage participantsin the clustering

effort!

10. Option:Pareto (prioritizingcards - 20 % rule)

Don‘ts in a Mesocard exerciseDon‘ts in a Mesocard exercise

Never ask:“Who wrote this?”Respect anonymity

Don’t comment oncards - no

ironic remarks

Never give theimpression that

you’re manipulating Don’t “explain”

cards - ask partici-pants for clarification

Don’t hide or dropcards (or give

this impression)

What is wrong in this picture? What is wrong in this picture?

At least one facilitator must face the group at all times!

Do‘s in a Mesocard exerciseDo‘s in a Mesocard exercise

Try to involveevery participant

Encourage unusual/ innovative ideas

Stick to the method -

discourage talking!

Mesocard materialMesocard material

The sophisticated version,

the simpleversion...

... and thevery simpleversion!

Thank you for your attention! Thank you for your attention!