Crazy Eight

How Crazy Eights Work in User Research

Crazy Eights is a fast-paced brainstorming technique that encourages participants to think outside the box and generate multiple solutions to a problem. Here's how it typically works:

1. Participants fold a piece of paper into eight sections.
2. A timer is set for eight minutes.
3. Everyone sketches one idea per section, spending about one minute on each.
4. The focus is on quantity over quality, promoting rapid ideation.

Benefits of Using Crazy Eights

Implementing Crazy Eights in your user research process can offer several advantages:

• Encourages quick, divergent thinking
• Helps overcome creative blocks
• Generates a wide variety of ideas in a short time
• Promotes equal participation from all team members
• Serves as a springboard for further discussion and refinement

Examples of Crazy Eight Applications

Crazy Eights can be applied in various user research scenarios:

1. Redesigning a mobile app interface
2. Brainstorming new features for a product
3. Solving user pain points identified during research
4. Exploring different approaches to information architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: How many people should participate in a Crazy Eight session? Answer: Crazy Eights can be done individually or in groups. For team sessions, 3-8 participants usually work well.

• Question 2: What materials are needed for a Crazy Eight exercise? Answer: You'll need paper (preferably A4 size), pens or markers, and a timer.

• Question 3: Can Crazy Eights be done remotely? Answer: Yes, Crazy Eights can be adapted for remote teams using digital whiteboard tools or shared documents.

• Question 4: How do you follow up after a Crazy Eight session? Answer: After the session, review and discuss the ideas generated, then select the most promising ones for further development or testing.