Book Review of Gamestorming: a Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers and Changemakers

Jay Kulkarni

Book Review of Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers and Changemakers

5th September 2014

Part 1 – Summary and Overview:

Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers and Changemakers by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, James Macanufo is a good book that describes a set of tools and techniques to generate innovative ideas collaboratively. Through out the book the authors explain the various games that can be utilized to enable group thinking. While there are certain tools which we are aware of while working in teams; the book makes a good attempt by compiling and describing various possible games in the collaborative environment.

The core of book is in a process called open-explore-close principle. Purpose of opening is to set the context, exploring sets the layout and the themes, closing prepares the context for decision making. Under each of these heading the book elaborates the games that can be played. However, an important caveat that one needs to consider is that some of the processes mentioned are quite elaborate and some times not practical in applying them for large organizations. The book suggests trying out multiple ideas generated in the brainstorming as a means to finalize an idea. However, especially in large teams, people do not like to be experimentative for activities. There is a need for definiteness otherwise teams end up wasting a lot of time.

Part 2: My Opinion

Most Favorite Chapter is Chapter 4. Core Games. Authors explain a 7Ps framework to be used during brainstorming meetings to improve focus and get better results. These 7Ps are Purpose, Product, People, Process, Pitfalls, Prep and Practical Concerns.

Purpose is the reason why the meeting is being conducted. Consider the urgency of the meeting, is the meeting really necessary. Product is the specific artifact that will be produced out of the meeting. What is the use of the product and how will it support the purpose. People who need to be...