The 3 Rooms (Walt Disney)
Brainstorm and re-think ideas. Use the 3 rooms board to brainstorm ideas and go from initial ideation to idea evaluation. This is a discussion tool.
- Steps
- 4
- Last edited
- Apr 19, 2023
- Created by
- Nova
About this process
Use the 3 rooms board to brainstorm ideas and go from initial ideation to idea evaluation. This is a discussion tool. Walt Disney used this method to approach problems using three different perceptual positions. This concept has been used in creativity for decades. Disney’s thinking process synthesized three different strategies: the dreamer, realist, and the critic. Also known as the “3 Rooms”. He thought that evaluating and discussing ideas without consciously mixing those three perspectives will reduce the team’s ability to translate fantasies into a tangible reality or solution. Using this method, the dreamer and the critic will engage in constant conflict, while the dreamer and realist will evaluate and refine the final product or idea. To use this board correctly, move from one perspective to the next in order. This is key, as the critic shouldn’t block the dreamer during the duration of his/her brainstorming session.
The process in detail
4 steps- 1
The Dreamer position.
- 2
Best ideas win! Select the best ideas and move forward.
- 3
The Realist position.
- 4
The Critic position.
Read the full text
1. The Dreamer position.
As a dreamer, you will need to focus on generating ideas without judgment, evaluation or restrictions. This position is meant to unlock as many ideas as possible form the team. From this position, you aren’t aware of any barriers, budget restrictions, technology limitations, etc. Dream big! Ask yourselves: What do we really want? How do we imagine our solution? What would be the ideal product or solution? Build on other team members' ideas and re-shape those ideas to dream bigger
2. Best ideas win! Select the best ideas and move forward.
Cluster the best ideas before you move to the next step. Move the ideas to the critic position. Note: Some teams move forward with one idea per session to keep the meeting short.
3. The Realist position.
From the best ideas/idea, start figuring out what steps and resources you would need to take to make that possible. Think of this like an action plan required to make those ideas a reality. Ask yourselves: What would need to be true to make this possible? How can we apply this idea? What would be our action plan? What would be our timeline and why? What resources would we need? What would facilitate the process? Tip: Believe that those ideas are possible before you start finding the reasons why the idea is not possible.
4. The Critic position.
Now you have an action plan, so you and your team will focus on finding solutions and tackling roadblocks. Ask yourselves: What are the key barriers? What problems do you see? What could go wrong with this idea? Would this idea satisfy all our needs? For how long? What is missing? How important is what we are missing? What are the weaknesses?
- The 3 Rooms
- What problems do you see?
- What are the weaknesses?
- Zero Judgement room
- What is missing?
- Pros and Cons
- Encourage wild ideas
- This is a sticky-note