Walking Brainstorm

Contribute and expand on each other’s ideas while keeping the focus on creativity, not personalities or disagreements.

Number of participants: 2+

Time needed: 15-30mins

Materials: Flipchart or blank A0 posters, Markers, Sticky notes

Goal

The purpose of a walking brainstorm is to get people thinking creatively and collaboratively by moving around and engaging with different ideas in a physical space. Walking helps stimulate energy and flow, while the silent, written format ensures that everyone’s ideas are heard - not just the most vocal participants.

Step 1: Preparation

Write a clear topic or question on several large sheets of paper or posters and place them around the room. Leave enough space at each station so that small groups can gather and add ideas comfortably.

Step 2: Frame the question(s)

If you want to encourage broader thinking, give each poster a different topic or question.

Step 3: Set the scene

Decide how long the activity will run, anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes works well, depending on how many people are involved and how complex the subject is. Hand out sticky notes and markers to everyone.

Step 4: Silent ideas round

Ask participants to walk around quietly, reading the posters and adding their ideas on sticky notes. Remind them to take a “yes, and…” approach, building on others’ suggestions rather than criticising or rejecting them.

Step 5: Group discussion

Once time is up, you can bring everyone together for a group discussion or ask small teams to review specific posters, refine the ideas, and present their insights back to the group.

Facilitator Tip 💡

Each sticky note should contain just one idea. This makes it easier to spot overlaps and group similar thoughts later.