Try it Now!
Want to try something new? Here are some innovation skills and mindsets you can try right now by doing the interactive activities below to get a new perspective, bring an idea to life, and build confidence in talking to strangers. Click the tabs below to learn more about each activity.
Feel free to view, use, customize, and take inspiration from the resources and be sure to credit us if you do!
Example of Credit: This activity was designed and/or inspired by the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland
Get a new perspective
Estimated time: 5 minutes
Sometimes creativity and innovation require taking on a different perspective. Try looking at things from another perspective by playing BrainSpin, a game invented by UMD alum Frankie Abralind and adapted by the Academy to create a quick, perspective-changing activity.
Here’s what you’ll need to play:
- a countdown timer you can set to 30 seconds (like your phone’s Clock app!)
- somewhere to capture ideas (i.e. pen and paper, notes in your phone)
- 5 uninterrupted minutes
Bring an idea to life
Estimated time: 5 minutes
Ideas are everywhere but what sets an idea (and an entrepreneur!) apart is being able to bring an idea out of your head and into the world. Try this quick audio-guided activity to bring an idea to life.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A way to listen to an audio-guided activity (i.e. a phone or laptop...and maybe some headphones)
- Something to write with and something to write on (this could be pen + paper, a writable tablet, whatever works best for you!)
- A place to focus where you won't be disturbed for 5 minutes
Build confidence in talking to strangers
Estimated time: 35 minutes
Practice striking up conversations with strangers with the help of a podcast! The Talking to Strangers audio guide will take you through three expeditions with moments to reflect with a partner. While it’s nice to do this with a partner, it’s not required. You can do this activity solo.
To get started, make sure you have:
- A partner (this is optional!)
- A smartphone to listen to the audio activity
- Somewhere to take notes (i.e. pen and paper, notes in your phone)
- The reflection questions (see link below)