DREAMS Brainwriting

When to Use This Activity

I use this activity when I want to:

• Generate many AI use cases quickly
• Ensure equal participation from everyone
• Build on others' ideas systematically
• Keep energy high with movement

It works particularly well after introducing the DREAMS framework.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Generate diverse AI applications for real tasks
• Build upon others' ideas
• Understand different AI capabilities through the DREAMS framework
• Practice combining multiple AI approaches

Materials Needed

• DREAMS Cards (one set)
• Post-its (4 colors ideal, one color per round)
• Timer
• Wall space or tables for displaying cards

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setup

• Arrange participants in teams of 3-4
• Have the room pick one concrete task to focus on
• Distribute one DREAMS card to each team
• Give each team different colored Post-its

2. First Round

• Teams read their DREAMS card carefully
• Write one use case idea on a Post-it
• Stick it to one side of their card
• Focus on applying their category to the chosen task

3. Card Rotation

• Pass cards clockwise to next team
• Teams read previous ideas before starting next round

4. Subsequent Rounds

• Read existing ideas on the card
• Add a new idea building on or different from previous ones
• Place Post-it on next empty side of card
• Repeat until each card has 4 Post-its

5. Final Presentation

• Each team presents the card they end up with
• Share the evolution of ideas across rounds
• Identify most promising combinations

Facilitation Tips

This activity is inspired by the Brainwriting technique.

Keep Energy High

• Play upbeat music during writing rounds
• Use a timer with sound
• Keep rotations quick and fluid

Handle Common Issues

• Similar Ideas: Encourage teams to build on previous ideas in new ways
• Stuck Teams: Provide example prompts from the card
• Dominant Voices: The written format ensures everyone contributes

Variants

For Virtual Sessions

• Use my Miro template (in the Starter Kit)
• Create breakout rooms for teams
• Use different colored digital Post-its
• Move teams between breakout rooms instead of passing cards

For Large Groups

• Run multiple parallel sessions with different tasks
• Have teams rotate between task stations
• End with a gallery walk of all cards

Advanced Version

• Add constraints each round (e.g., "must combine with previous category")
• Focus on specific contexts or challenges
• Include implementation planning

What's Next

After generating ideas, participants can:

• Vote on most promising use cases
• Move to Build Your Prompt to prototype selected ideas
• Use the DREAMS Matrix to explore more systematically

Resources

• DREAMS Framework Guide
• How to Assess a Prompt
• Demo Library for inspiration