Speed date

What can students learn from this?

Students will learn how to and how easy it is to spot opportunities. They have to activate their creativity, think about solutions to simple problems which they are facing every day. In addition, the students have to value solutions and be creative on how to implement these solutions and how to make a business out of it.

How can I do this in class?

Before starting class, prepare the room by setting a ‘speed date’ formation; one row of tables with chairs to each side, so the students can sit in front of each other. When the lesson starts, divide the class into 2 groups; group A and group B.

RULES for teachers

• Group A: Tell them they have think individually about a problem they face every day. This problem can be related to, for example, brushing your teeth, reading books, waking up, washing hands, watching television, etc. These problems could be anything related to the daily or weekly routine. They don’t have to be world problems, but could be small problems which is annoying to them individually. Let them write down their problem.
• Group B: Tell them to free their minds and to be creative. This group has to come up with the solutions to each problem made up by group A. There are no boundaries, everything is possible, no restrictions, no limits.
• Like a real ‘speeddate’ format, individual persons from group B will be seated in front of the individuals from group A.
• Set time for 5 minutes per speed date round. Group A will explain their problem and group B needs to find solutions for these problems. The intention of these 5 minute sessions is a discussion between 2 persons (1 person from both groups) and to find a suitable solution (could be anything, no limits, no boundaries, etc).
• Once the first 5 minutes are over, let group B switch seats by passing on to the next table.
• Group A writes down the solutions they receive from group B.
• Choose to organize max. 4 or 5 rounds.

At the end of all rounds, evaluate the ideas and solutions. Let the students from group A present their initial problems and the solutions they found the most creative and has to most potential. Let the class decide which problem and solution are the best and discuss a more ‘realistic’ option using both problem and solution.

Reflection tips

It is important to reflect the activity to point out the importance of creativity in design thinking. Let the students see opportunities can come from daily activities and problems they face every day. Solutions might be simple and even closer than they realize. Ask questions like:

• How easy did you find coming up with solutions?
• What did you find most easy/difficult?
• Where do you think you can find opportunities regarding setting up a social enterprise?
• Where you open for all kind of solutions?