Two teams must work together to construct a miniature city using building blocks. The 'Visionaries' are given photo cards of the buildings while the 'Doers' are seated at a table with the blocks. The Visionaries may not show their cards to each other or to the Doers, and they cannot touch the blocks. They can only give verbal instructions to the Doers.
No one knows it at first, but each photo card has a slightly different view of the building to be constructed. The group is confused at first, but quickly realizes that they must use other’s unique perspectives, along with explicit communication, to build the city.
Once the buildings are erected, the Visionaries exchange photo cards to check the results, and everyone reflects on the experience. If time permits, the Visionaries and Doers can swap roles and do the activity again, applying their new insights.
This activity is ideal for addressing multiple perspectives, giving and receiving information, effective collaboration, and optimizing work processes.
Do it Yourself
Construct a number of buildings yourself, take pictures of them from different angles, then send the photos to the Visionaries’ smart phones. In this way, you can create your very own FutureCity!
Flying Blind
For a real challenge, separate Visionaries and Doers using a screen or cubicle divider so the Visionaries can still deliver instructions, but not see the Doers or construction. Once the buildings are complete, remove the barrier and discuss the results.
SHARE THIS TOOL
Use it for coordinating actions, working with multiple information sources, improving teamwork to achieve a goal, and building team spirit
Use it for cooperating to achieve a shared goal, highlighting different working styles, and exchanging information
Use it for planning and optimizing work processes, and seeing a challenge through to completion
Use it for adapting to make progress, and demonstrating individuals’ need to contribute to group projects
Use it for experiencing interdependencies, and synchronizing the actions of the parts to achieve system goals
Use it for a fun and easy kick off, to activate a group, and to create team
Participants (min / optimal / max) | Time needed (activity only) |
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4 / 12 / 24 | 15-45 mins |
Contents | Space needed |
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36 multi-dimensional building blocks, photo cards, 1 detailed instruction manual | Table measuring 24 x 24 in (60 x 60 cm) for 2 buildings; 32 x 32 in (80 x 80 cm) for 3-4 buildings; 48 x 32 in (120 x 80 cm) for 24 people |
Dimensions (boxed) | Weight |
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18.1 x 14.4 x 2.8 in (46 x 36.5 x 7 cm) | 11.44 lb (5.2 kg) |
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