30 Circles
Purpose
Warm-up to unlock creative thinking and demonstrate divergent ideation
How to Use
1. Give each participant a sheet with 30 empty circles printed on it. 2. Set a timer for 30 seconds. 3. Ask participants to turn as many circles as possible into drawn objects -- each circle becomes a unique thing. 4. Call time and count how many each person completed and how many are truly unique. 5. Debrief: note how few people reach 30, explore what blocked them, and what enabled those who got furthest. 6. Use findings to open a conversation about creative constraints and divergent thinking.
Created by Bob McKim / IDEO (popularised by Tim Brown)
When to Use
This tool is suited to the following coaching and facilitation contexts:
| Context | Relevant |
|---|---|
| Individual Coaching | |
| Team Coaching | |
| Leadership Development | |
| Facilitation / Workshop | |
| Online / Virtual |