Page 22 - INNO4CHANGE_WP3_T3_VET Tutorials_EN

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Project-oriented activity 4

Innovative Solutions Workshop for Social and Environmental Challenges

Maximum of 24 A total of 90 minutes to complete
participants, to work in all steps
groups of 4-6

The aim of this activity is to ideate and prototype innovative products or services that address real-world
social or environmental issues.

In this activity learners will have to use the online tool 'MindMeister' to brainstorm and map out a
solution for a given social/environmental challenge.

Step 1
Organise participants into small teams of 4-6 members, allowing for natural grouping or
assigning them to ensure diversity. Present each group with a specific social or environmental
challenge, such as reducing carbon emissions, reducing unemployment, or addressing food
shortages, making sure the challenges are clear but broad enough to allow for creative solutions.

Step 2
Begin by giving a brief tutorial on MindMeister, an online mind mapping tool, and ensure each
group has access to a computer or tablet with internet. Teams then brainstorm as many ideas
Implementation and the potential impact of each idea.
as possible related to their assigned challenge, using MindMeister to visually map their thoughts

Step 3
Teams review their brainstormed ideas and select the most promising or innovative one, based
on criteria like feasibility, impact, and uniqueness. They then develop this concept further,
considering target users, potential benefits, challenges, and the unique value proposition of their
proposed solution.

Step 4
Teams create a basic prototype or a detailed concept map for their solution. This could involve
sketching, crafting a physical model from materials like paper, cardboard, or clay, or creating a
digital mockup. The focus here is on visually communicating the idea and how it works, using
creativity and resourcefulness in using available materials.

Step 5
Each team presents their prototype and explains how it addresses the assigned challenge,
covering aspects like functionality, target audience, and anticipated impact. After each
presentation, feedback is encouraged from other groups and instructors, including questions,
suggestions for improvement, and general observations, fostering collaborative learning and
idea refinement.

INNO4CHANGE: Empowering innovation and entrepreneurship skills on social entrepreneurs