Title: The impact of playful interventions for idea generation processes: a case study of an automotive producer

Authors: Jonas Worede Tarekegne; Klaus-Peter Schulz

Addresses: Department of Legal, Political, Economic and Management Sciences (SPJEG), University of Lorraine, 34 Cr Léopold, 54000, Nancy, France ' Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, ICN ARTEM Business School, 86 rue du Sergent Blandan, 54000 NANCY, France

Abstract: In this article we consider intervention methods for idea generation workshops in the automotive industry. The growing complexity of innovation, particularly through combining products and services in a sustainable way, requires methodical approaches that facilitate creativity and integrate multiple perspectives. Hands-on modelling, playfulness, and bodily experience are principles that are gaining growing interest beyond artists and designers. However, in the rather traditional innovation environment of the automotive industry the question arises, what intervention methods based on these principles can contribute to innovation? We therefore applied three different methods: drama intervention, tool-kit-based modelling, and gaming, independent of each other in idea generation workshops of an automobile producer. We assessed the quantity and quality of ideas developed with each method, and also the workshop experience of participants in an exploratory study. It turned out that there is no significant difference between the methods, however in comparison to traditional workshops, the output number and quality is higher. Furthermore, participants capitalised from the workshop experience and considered it as inspiration for their daily collaboration.

Keywords: idea generation workshop; playful intervention; gaming; toolkit-based modelling; drama intervention; automotive industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2022.121514

International Journal of Technology Management, 2022 Vol.88 No.2/3/4, pp.247 - 269

Received: 03 Aug 2020
Accepted: 16 Jul 2021
Published online: 16 Mar 2022 *

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