Metaforma Brainstorming Tool

Goal: Brainstorm system metaphors.

Time: 10-60 minutes.

Introduction:
Introduce the idea of the system metaphor – “a story that everyone
can tell about the system.” A metaphor is also a “system of names”
that work together to support subtle expectations about how the
system works. In this exercise, people will lay out cards that
suggest metaphors, and explain them in the context of the system at
hand.

Material:

• Standard deck of playing cards
• Metaforma idea chart
• Somewhere to record ideas

Play:
Select a dealer, who shuffles the deck and lays out five cards
face-up. For each card, the dealer will look it up in the chart,
and create a story about how it relates to the system. Once the
dealer has made an interpretation, the rest of the team is free to
brainstorm further.

Once the team has explained its five cards, it’s free to
brainstorm further, inventing and combining ideas.

After the brainstorming is over, do a short evaluation session
to pick a “winner.”

Brainstorming Rules

• Quantity, not quality
• Let everyone participate
• Wild ideas are welcome
• Criticize later
• Piggyback on others’ ideas

Source:
William C. Wake, December, 2001.