Design Thinking Methods Catalogue

# Ideate

# Troika Consulting

Purpose
Mutual support for challenges
Time required
30 to 45 minutes
Participants
Design Thinking team (Groups of three)
Level of experience
Beginner

# What is it about?

Peer-to-peer coaching is carried out within groups of three in order to support each other with challenges.

# The goal

The aim of this method is to give each participant the opportunity to gain new insights for challenges in short counselling sessions.

# How to do it?

  1. Emphasize that the content of the discussion is confidential and that this is a protected space. Define the key question for the whole group, e.g. ‘What is your challenge right now?’ or ‘What do you need help with right now?’.
  2. Form groups of three and make sure there is a mix of different backgrounds and perspectives. Place the chairs in the groups of three close together.
  3. One participant per round is the client and the other two are the counsellors. This means that everyone has the same opportunity to coach or receive advice.
  4. Procedure
    • 1 minute: Participants think of a question they would like to ask the counsellors.
    • 1-2 minutes: The first client asks his or her question in the group of three.
    • 1-2 minutes: Counsellors address comprehension questions to the client.
    • The client turns their back to the counsellors.
    • 4-5 minutes: Counsellors develop ideas, suggestions and advice. The client takes notes and listens in silence.
    • 1-2 minutes: The client is allowed to turn round again and share their key findings.
    • Now the roles are swapped. It is the next participant's turn as the client and the process is repeated until all three have been clients once.
    • If the first round of troika counselling has not produced satisfactory results, a second round can take place immediately afterwards.

# When do you need it?

When support is required for a challenge.

# Resources

  • chairs

# Advantages

Above all, the ability to effectively ask for help, listen and give advice is promoted. Building trust is encouraged through mutual support within the group.

# Disadvantages

The success of the method is highly dependent on the individuals involved. The groups are small and therefore a lack of expertise, for example, cannot be compensated for. To be successful, the method requires good co-operation and openness among the participants. Tensions or conflicts can have a negative impact on the results.

# Keep in mind

Warn participants not to jump to conclusions too quickly. This can be avoided through critical questioning. In addition, ten minutes per client is more effective than a 20-minute session. It is therefore better to conduct a second round if the first round has not produced the desired results. The room layout must also be taken into account; a confidential and disruption-free environment should be guaranteed.

# See also

Previous methods Alternative methods Following methods

# Sources

← Walt Disney Method →