How tech products are born: “It’s like [blank] for [blank]!”
The first card game designed for product innovators.
At Innovatemap, we work with companies in every industry to help them build the products of today, tomorrow, and the future. We’re on our toes every day thinking outside of the box and imagining what could be. It's our job to innovate for our clients (I mean…it’s literally in our name), so we’ve developed techniques for keeping our minds sharp and tuned toward creative thinking.
We made a game out of it! And it’s really fun. And we think you’ll like it, too. It’s called Innovatecards™. Click to order, or read on to see how to play!
The Game
Innovatecards™ is a thought-provoking team game to get you in the innovation mood. It’s perfect for product teams, design sprints, and brainstorming workshops, but anyone can play!
How to Play
There are two types of cards in the deck: Company Cards and Prompt Cards. Playing the game couldn’t be simpler:
1. Pick a black Company Card.
2. Pick a white Prompt Card.
3. You’ve been hired to ideate for the company on your black card.
4. Using the prompt on your white card…innovate!
5. Discuss, compete, and have fun!
Example:
You’ve been hired by Ev Williams, CEO of Medium, to add a feature geared toward education. How will you innovate? What will it look like?
Here are a couple ideas:
- Medium “University”: A place for professors to post lecture content to encourage discussion and student interaction.
- Medium “Edit”: A place for students to post essays and papers to collect feedback and improve their arguments using vetted professionals.
There are 50 different companies in the deck:
Uber, Twitter, LEGO, Whole Foods, NY Times…and more!There are 36 unique prompts in the deck:
Monetize the data, Add a concierge service, Allow users to personalize, Devise a new offering for people over 65…and more!
Ways to Play
You can play however you want…all you need is a company and a prompt…but the game provides you with a couple ideas to steer your thinking!
Does it work?
Absolutely! We recently played the game at an innovation workshop we hosted for local designers and “product people” in Indianapolis, and complete strangers had a blast working together to innovate on behalf of the companies they drew. Here are some pics:
Some of their innovations:
- Tinder + Add curated content: “Tinder Memories”…a way to help people remember their best dates (yes, this one was hilarious)
- Netflix + Add a premium option: “Netflix & Chill”…a way to meet people and watch/chill with then over video while you both watch a show
- Slack + Add an option for people over 65: “Slack65”…a way for old people to passively stay in touch with their families
- Uber + Add wearables: “Uber RN”…a service for at-risk individuals to give them more freedom and independence
- Twitter + Add an offering for teens: “Tweener”…a way for teens to have private conversations using geotagged hashtags
So where can I buy it?
Innovatecards™ is available for purchase at www.innovate.cards!
When I’m not writing, I’m working on Sketch design tools like UX Power Tools to make you a better, more efficient designer. All the best Sketch designers and teams are using it, and I think you might like it, too!
