The 3 Rooms

Label: Idea Evaluation, Brainstorming, Idea Development

You will be using this tool in a series of positions.

Walt Disney used this method to approach problems using three different perceptual positions. This concept has been used in creativity for decades.

Disney’s thinking process synthesized three different strategies: the dreamer, realist, and the critic. Also known as the “3 Rooms”. He thought that evaluating and discussing ideas without consciously mixing those three perspectives will reduce the team’s ability to translate fantasies into a tangible reality or solution.

Using this method, the dreamer and the critic will engage in constant conflict, while the dreamer and realist will evaluate and refine the final product or idea.

First, you will be in the Dreamer position – allowing you to generate as many ideas as possible without criticism or deep evaluation. Second, you’ll take on the Realist position. Finally, you’ll take on the Critic position.

The reason we call it the “3 Rooms” is that each position is traditionally done from a separated space or room. This ensures a sort of seperation between thinking perspectives.

How it works and general overview before you get started:

The 3 Rooms

1. First, discuss Session Goals / Instructions. Participants may add additional notes and information, or add additional user groups to the session.
2. Once the team is ready and understands the goal of the session, they can move forward and open the board. We recommend setting up a meeting using a video conference call.

Steps:

STEP 1

The dreamers position

As a dreamer, you will need to focus on generating ideas without judgment, evaluation or restrictions. This position is meant to unlock as many ideas as possible form the team. From this position, you aren’t aware of any barriers, budget restrictions, technology limitations, etc. Dream big!

Ask yourselves:

• What do we really want?
• How do we imagine our solution?
• What would be the ideal product or solution?

Cluster the best ideas before you move to the next step.

Note: Some teams move forward with one idea per session to keep the meeting short.

STEP 2

Realistic position

From the best ideas/idea, start figuring out what steps and resources you would need to take to make that possible. Think of this like an action plan required to make those ideas a reality.

Ask yourselves:

• What would need to be true to make this possible?
• How can we apply this idea?
• What would be our action plan?

We have other tool alternatives to this one. Check out the ‘ 6 thinking hats’ and the ‘ 21 Roles’ card deck.

Get access to this tool for free inside @Nova. 

Nova is a collaboration and productivity platform that leverages intelligent technology to help teams work together while coordinating the work for you – so teams can share their knowledge and get things done efficiently. Unlike other platforms  –  Nova helps organize work by goals, people and deadlines and includes tools like whiteboards, tasks and documents to get things done in the same space.

Nova was Co-founded by Ro Fernandez so includes all our tools.

Here is an overview. Nova includes a collaborative space, a template, a video/voice call, a trackable step-by-step process, an intelligent report, and more. 

www.novatools.org