BodystormingPhysically experience user scenarios.
Summary
As a variant of Brainstorming, Bodystorming involves gaining and validating ideas by physically placing oneself in a situation or environment. The method can be used to generate ideas as well as to optimize existing concepts, products, services, etc.
Step-by-step
- Prepare the place where the Bodystorming will be performed. Is it a specific environment in which the testing will take place? Or is it more about the product or service that is needed to achieve a specific goal?
- Organize different materials with which to craft and imitate, such as pens, tape, scissors, furniture, wood, cups, glue, post-it's, cardboard etc. The prototype may also be very abstract.
- It makes sense to appoint a moderator to keep track and guide the session, e.g. by making sure that the goal is not lost sight of. Tasks of the moderator:
- Timekeeper: Keep track of the time that has passed. Sometimes the ideas just get crazy after a certain time. Let the team consciously take short breaks to be able to stay focused.
- Instructor: Before the session begins, summarize for all participants what the goal is and how it can be achieved. Establish do's and don'ts, if applicable.
- Observer: Consider Bodystorming as an outsider to gain a different perspective.
- Recorder: Record the thoughts and results to discuss with the team at the end of the session.
- Educator: Be careful not to let the roleplay get too crazy. Even though bodystorming is a comparatively fun and free method, the session should not be taken as a fun time out.
- Once everything is prepared, the session can start. The participants put themselves in the shoes of specific users, stakeholders or user groups. The aim is to experience a situation from the perspective of another affected person in order to identify possible difficulties or pain points.
- Optional: Recording different situations with a video camera helps to remember the findings of this method later in the process or to enlighten team members who could not participate in the Bodystorming session.
- Together with the team, the results should then be recorded in writing and discussed to determine the next steps. What new pain points have emerged as a result of the session? How or what needs to be improved to achieve the goal?
What you need
Craft material: pens, tape, furniture, cardboard etc.
Paper or whiteboard
Pens
Optional: camera
