The Combo Inventions Activity is a creative exercise that encourages participants to think outside the box by combining two or more existing objects or concepts to create something new and innovative. This activity is excellent for developing problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, and promoting teamwork. Here’s how to set up and run a Combo Inventions Activity:
Objective
Participants will create unique inventions by combining two or more existing items or ideas, then present their creations to the group.
Materials Needed
- Paper and pencils for sketching
- Markers or colored pencils
- Optional: craft supplies for 3D prototypes (cardboard, glue, scissors, etc.)
- Timer
- List of random objects or concepts
Setup
- Prepare a list of diverse objects or concepts (e.g., umbrella, bicycle, microwave, social media, plant)
- Divide participants into small groups or pairs
- Set up a comfortable workspace with necessary materials
Activity Steps
- Introduction (5 minutes)
- Explain the concept of combo inventions
- Show examples of successful real-world combo inventions (e.g., spork, smartphone)
- Brainstorming (10 minutes)
- Each group randomly selects 2-3 items from the prepared list
- Groups brainstorm potential combinations and uses
- Invention Development (20-30 minutes)
- Groups choose their best idea and develop it further
- Encourage sketching, naming, and describing the invention’s features and benefits
- Optional: Prototyping (20 minutes)
- If time allows, groups can create simple prototypes using craft supplies
- Presentations (3-5 minutes per group)
- Each group presents their invention to the others
- Explain the combination, features, and potential real-world applications
- Feedback and Discussion (10 minutes)
- Encourage positive feedback and questions from other participants
- Discuss the challenges and insights gained from the process
Variations
- Theme-based: Focus on inventions solving specific problems (e.g., environmental issues, daily inconveniences)
- Rapid-fire rounds: Give shorter time limits for quick thinking and multiple inventions
- Individual challenge: Have participants work alone and compare diverse results
- Digital version: Use online collaboration tools for remote teams
Benefits
- Enhances creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Encourages looking at objects and concepts from new perspectives
- Promotes teamwork and communication
- Develops presentation and public speaking skills
- Introduces basic principles of innovation and design thinking
Tips for Facilitators
- Emphasize that there are no “wrong” ideas
- Encourage wild and imaginative combinations
- Provide prompts or questions to help groups if they get stuck
- Celebrate creativity and effort rather than focusing on practicality
The Combo Inventions Activity is not only fun but also a valuable exercise in innovative thinking. It can be adapted for various age groups and settings, from classrooms to corporate team-building events. By engaging in this activity, participants learn to see the world around them as full of potential for new and exciting creations.
