The challenge of Limited Materials
Limited Materials is an activity that challenges teams to solve a problem using a set of supplies and within a time limit. The exercise can help teams develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration.
It also brings an element of fun and maker-ism into the mix, with the added twist of learning how to solve a problem with reduced options.
Divide the team into groups, give each group the same supplies, and set a time limit. Create a specific project with clear restrictions and a goal.
For example, you can ask your team to create a device that involves movement without electricity and move a toy car from point A to point B. The challenge is completely up to you.
It is important that you provide each team with the same materials to work with, this way all groups will have the same resources. Another alternative is to create a pile of supplies available in the middle of the room so that each group can have different resources.
Give them a specific time to complete the project, making sure to mention that they can only use what is available, though how they use it is completely up to them.
The end result is a fun event and a great opportunity for your team to develop problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills. It also encourages innovative thinking and helps teams learn to solve problems with limited options.
Moment of Reflection
- What was the most challenging part of the exercise? Why?
- With the materials available, what strategies did you adopt and why?
- What work process did your group use to reach a possible solution? Were all the ideas that appeared explored? Did you create a space for brainstorming?
- Do you consider that in your team there was active participation of all the people? Did everyone contribute ideas and help build the project?
The topics of this publication: teamwork, integration, interactions, collaboration, cooperation, adaptability skills, strategy, planning, adaptation, creativity, motivation, imagination, brainstorming
