Round Robin
Build better ideas, one turn at a time.
Objective
To promote collaborative ideation and creative flow by ensuring every team member contributes unique or expanded ideas to a shared problem in a structured, turn-based format.
Problem Statement
In brainstorming sessions, dominant voices often overshadow quieter participants, leading to fewer diverse ideas and reduced group creativity. Teams also tend to lose focus or stop too early in the ideation process.
Solution Provided
The Round Robin Board creates an inclusive and systematic approach to brainstorming. Each participant takes a turn writing one idea or expanding on a previous one, ensuring balanced participation, deeper exploration, and collective creativity.
The Science
Grounded in group creativity research and social facilitation theory, structured turn-taking prevents idea fixation and encourages cognitive diversity. When individuals contribute sequentially, they activate associative thinking, triggering new idea connections and enhancing overall group innovation.
Time Commitment
10–20 minutes depending on group size.
Facilitation Level
Light Facilitation (a moderator to track turns and keep the flow).
Materials Needed
Whiteboard or digital collaboration board, markers or stylus, timer (optional for fast-paced rounds).
Detailed Instructions for Using the Tool
- Write the central problem or question clearly at the top of the whiteboard.
- Gather the team around the board (physically or virtually).
- The first person writes down one idea related to solving the problem.
- Pass the marker to the next participant. That person must:
- Add a completely new idea, or
- Build on or refine an existing one.
- Continue passing the marker until all participants have contributed, or ideas begin to slow down.
- Once finished, cluster related ideas together and discuss the most promising ones for refinement or prototyping.
Planning to run this game/activity? Listen to the audio instructions below for a smooth and effective session.
