Seeking Innovation with Good Word Connections

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Produce novel conceptual connections for a familiar issue by combining random three-word prompts with a topical baseline map.

Use it when: Use during project kickoff, strategic review, or problem-solving sessions when a group is stuck in familiar, predictable answers.

Skip it when: Skip when the immediate task requires strict compliance, technical verification, or direct execution of pre-approved procedures.

Group arrangement: Whole-group modeling followed by pairs or small groups of 3 to 5 participants

Timing: Matches the 50-minute design from the Collaborative Discussion Project source instructions.

Materials and tools

• Whiteboard, flip chart, or digital shared canvas
• Markers for in-person groups
• One printed or digital copy of the Word List per participant or group
• Index cards or sticky notes (one pack per subgroup)
• Pens or pencils (one per person)

Before participants arrive

1. Select a focal challenge or topic relevant to the participants.
2. Write the topic name in the center of the room whiteboard or shared digital canvas.
3. Prepare printed word lists or digital access links so every participant can inspect nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

Say this to open

Today we are exploring a technique called Good Word Connections. We will first map out what we already know about our topic. Then we will pull random combinations of a verb, a noun, and an adjective, and deliberately force connections between those words and our topic to uncover angles we would not ordinarily consider.

How to run it

1. Map current landscape 10 minutes

   The facilitator introduces the topic. Ask participants to call out known components, problems, or facts about this issue. Record them as a radial mind map on the main display. Stop at 10 minutes once 10 to 15 branches are visible.

2. Model word connections 15 minutes

   Facilitator introduces the provided word list. Randomly pick one verb, one noun, and one adjective. For example, combine 'ignite', 'compass', and 'flexible'. Facilitator models linking this triad to one branch of the map: 'For flexible ignite compass, how could our community orientation program offer self-directed start times guided by peer navigators?' Give participants 3 minutes to privately pick three random words and write one connection on an index card. Invite two volunteers to share their idea.

3. Generate in small groups 15 minutes

   Divide participants into pairs or small groups of 3 to 5. Each group selects three new random words (one verb, one noun, one adjective) from the word list. Groups generate and record at least two distinct project concepts inspired by forcing those words against the baseline map. Groups write each final concept on a card or digital post-it.

4. Debrief and collect ideas 10 minutes

   Reconvene as a full room. Invite one spokesperson from each subgroup to state their three words and their favorite new concept. Run a structured discussion using the debrief questions. Conclude on time.

Debrief questions

• Which word combination felt hardest to connect to our topic, and what concept came out of it?
• How did forcing unrelated words change the kind of ideas you proposed compared to standard brainstorming?
• Where in your ongoing work could you use random word prompts to get unstuck?

Finished output: A central topical mind map and a collection of written concept cards connecting random word triads to workable innovations.

Remote

Use an online whiteboard platform (such as Miro, Mural, or Google Slides). Map the central topic together on a shared board. Send participants to breakout rooms of 3 to 4 with the word list pasted into their room space. Subgroups post virtual notes with their triad and concepts on the main board before returning to the main room.

Hybrid

Ensure the in-person room camera faces the physical map, or run the mind map purely on a shared digital whiteboard accessible on devices by both room participants and remote participants. Pair remote participants with remote peers and in-person participants with room partners to simplify audio during the small-group step.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may select their own three words from the sheet or use a digital randomizer if preferred.
• Participants may contribute ideas verbally, in writing on cards, or via chat without speaking aloud.
• Any participant may pass during individual sharing without giving a reason.

If the session gets stuck

Participants select words that already closely align with the topic, producing routine ideas rather than innovative ones.

Instruct participants to roll a die, use a random number picker, or close their eyes and point to three separate columns on the page to guarantee unexpected word choices.

A group gets stuck trying to find a literal meaning for an unusual triad like 'dissolve velvet clock'.

Remind them to use metaphor, analogy, or sensory traits. Velvet could mean soft, quiet, or comfortable; dissolve could mean phased release or gradual removal.

Terms used here

• Mind Map: A visual diagram that arranges concepts radially around a central topic.
• Triad: A set of three random words consisting of one verb, one noun, and one adjective.