Fidget toys, simple puzzles, stress balls, and similar toys have been the staple props in group facilitation and creative problem solving activities –- usually to lower stress and create a more playful atmosphere, more conducive for divergent thinking and other creative activities. Desk toys are as commonplace as post-it notes and marker pens in most facilitators’ tool kits.
Can toys play other roles besides stress relief in a CPS session? Are we making the best use of these items that we put in front of participants? There has been limited research on toys and CPS, although some studies have suggested that some toys promote divergent thinking while other types of toys promote convergent thinking. This session will look at some of these published studies and present a number of other situations in which more appropriate toys might be selected for particular goals in a CPS session
What? What will participants learn or experience as a result of this program or session?
- Develop a more systematic approach to toy selection
- Make participants aware of sources for more sophisticated toys
- Develop toys as prompts in stalled facilitation sessions
So What? How might the content of this session change your perceptions, habits, ways of working, or view on the world?
- Motivation for being attentive to all aspects of setting up a facilitation
- Nothing in creative problem solving environment should be left to chance
- Develop political correctness in toy selection
Now What? How might you apply what you learn or experience in this session?
- Be more mindful of your audience
- Be more mindful of your facilitation session goals
- Have a template for toy selection
