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The Role of This Tool in the Fourth Phase of the Design Thinking Method
In the Develop phase, Crazy 8 enables an individual to quickly explore multiple distinct design directions for a key screen, interface, or touchpoint, preventing premature convergence on a single solution.
By forcing you to sketch eight different ideas in a short time, it stretches creative thinking, surfaces unexpected variations, and provides raw material for later combination or refinement. This helps you avoid overly safe concepts and increases the chance of discovering more effective or original solutions before moving into higher‑fidelity prototyping.
Crazy 8 is most suitable for focused design problems where the moment or artefact is clearly defined. Still, the optimal form is not yet known—for example, for dashboards, sign‑up flows, key physical controls, posters, or service handoff moments. It works best when you know exactly what interaction or scene you are designing, but want breadth of design ideas rather than incremental tweaks.
Its emphasis on speed over depth constrains crazy 8; some ideas may be superficial or poorly thought through, and it favours people comfortable with quick sketching. It is also best for visual or spatial problems; abstract strategy or policy questions are harder to express meaningfully in this format.
The Procedure for Using This Design Thinking Tool
Step 1: Choose one specific moment or artefact to explore (e.g., “check‑out screen,” “appointment reminder,” “service counter layout”) and write a concise design goal at the top of your sheet.
Step 2: Fold a sheet of paper into eight panels (or draw an 8‑cell grid), set a tight time limit (about 1 minute per panel), and prepare a simple pen or marker.
Step 3: For each minute, sketch one radically different idea in a panel, focusing on overall structure and concept rather than detail, and deliberately making each sketch noticeably different from the last.
Step 4: After eight minutes, review all sketches and note what seems promising in each, looking for patterns, surprises, or combinations that feel especially compelling.
Step 5: Select a small number of the strongest ideas or hybrids and develop them into more detailed sketches or wireframes to bring into individual reflection or team sessions.
Tips for Facilitators: The facilitator should work with the individual to pick one very specific moment or artefact to explore (not a broad journey) and translate this into a short design goal (e.g., “help users feel safe confirming payment”). They prepare Crazy 8 sheets (A4 folded into eight, or printed grids), pens or markers that encourage bold, simple lines, and a visible timer for strict one‑minute intervals. The facilitator also explains that sketches are about structure and ideas, not drawing skill, and may show 1–2 example panels to demonstrate the expected fidelity and variety before starting.
Next Steps in Your Design Thinking Journey
Continue your innovation journey with the following 3 Options to deepen your Design Thinking practice and amplify your impact.
