Thought Exercise: Hot Air Balloon

Agile Strategy

What is it?

A hot air balloon exercise is a visual discovery tool.

Why do it?

It can help you understand the constraints and advantages that might hold back or propel a group, idea, or opportunity.

When to do it?

Do it at the beginning of a new product development process or at any point in product development when you’re considering a sizable change to the product or process.

How to do it?

Draw (or print) a large hot air balloon on paper or on a whiteboard.

Distribute sticky notes and pens to all participants.

Get everyone to brainstorm the ropes—things that hold us back—and the fuel—things that can help us fly.

Group the sticky notes into common themes.

Talk through the groups and prioritize to understand the key issues, any mitigating factors, and key opportunities that can be acted on.

The agile flavor

Keep this exercise time-boxed and short. Make it a collaborative effort between all functional groups or project teams for richer results and communal understanding.