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Walt Disney method

Phases of the Innovation Cycle

Initial idea → Inspiration

Inspiration → Planning

Planning → Development

Support to farmers

Group of farmers

One-on-one

Goal

To develop a vision and a project idea with a smaller group of people by examining a problem from different perspectives.

Description

The Walt Disney Method is a brainstorming and problem-solving tool, based on role-playing to examine a challenge from three sequential perspectives: the Dreamer, the Realist, and the Critic. Each role contributes uniquely:

  • The Dreamer is the visionary who generates creative ideas without constraints.
  • The Realist focuses on practical implementation.
  • The Critic identifies potential flaws, risks, and obstacles.

These roles are interdependent and must be engaged in sequence to address challenges holistically and achieve a balanced perspective. The Dreamer provides the vision, but ideas cannot be realised without the practical insights of the Realist. Similarly, while the Dreamer and Realist can collaborate to create feasible plans, the input of the Critic is essential for ensuring quality by mitigating risks and refining solutions. By considering all three perspectives, teams can overcome obstacles that arise when only one or two roles dominate the process, ultimately leading to more effective and innovative outcomes.

How to execute the Walt Disney method:

  1. Preparation
    • Define the Problem: Clearly outline the goal or challenge.
    • Assemble the Team: Bring 3–6 participants with diverse perspectives.
    • Set the Stage: Use different spaces or cues (e.g., colors or areas) for each role: Dreamer, Realist, Critic.
  2. Role-Playing
    • Dreamer phase:
      • Focus on creative, unconstrained brainstorming.
      • Ask: What’s the ideal solution? What’s possible without limits?
    • Realist phase:
      • Shift to practicality and feasibility.
      • Ask: How can we implement this? What resources and steps are needed?
    • Critic phase:
      • Identify flaws, risks, and areas for improvement.
      • Ask: What could go wrong? How can this be refined?
  3. Synthesize: review the insights from all three phases and combine them into a balanced, actionable solution.
  4. Assign next steps: define responsibilities and plan for implementation.

Tips for success:

  • Assign a facilitator to keep the process on track.
  • Allocate equal time for each phase (e.g., 20–30 minutes).
  • Fully commit to each role during its phase.

Materials needed

  • Space setup: separate areas or visual cues for Dreamer, Realist, and Critic roles
  • Writing tools: flipcharts, whiteboards, markers, pens, or sticky notes
  • Timer: to allocate equal time for each phase
  • Guiding notes: role descriptions and key questions for each phase
  • Optional: role props (e.g., hats or name tags) or digital tools for virtual sessions

Resources

Documents

Die Walt Disney Methode

English

document

Working collaboratively: The Disney Strategy

English

document