The LAB: Innovating a Party with P.I.G. (March 2010)

Here is a new iPhone application that uses the structured innovation method, S.I.T., to create ideas for your next party.  The Party Idea Generator, P.I.G., leads you through a series of steps to trigger original party ideas.  It has ten different ways to start inventing, and you can add more.  It also has over 150 pre-generated triggers and ideas to get you moving.  My favorite feature is the special “Huh?” button in case you get stuck.  If you want to learn the essence of structured innovation, try this app.  It is both fun and useful.
Here is a description on YouTube:

Component:  Dancing

• Valve:  “Less.”
• Trigger:  “You will have a dinner party with no dance floor; your guests can dance but only in their seats.  If you’re not sitting, no dancing is allowed.”
• Potential benefits:  This would be useful for people with limited mobility.  Having people dance while sitting next to each other might promote more intimacy.  Another benefit is that people can eat and drink more efficiently if they are seated.

Component:  Music

• Valve:  “More”
• Trigger:  “Imagine the DJ changes music in the middle of the song.  What would be the influence of this change?”
• Potential benefits:  Perhaps this sudden change is a signal to guests to do something such as find another partner.  Perhaps it is a game of some sort where only certain people can dance to certain music.

Component:  Restroom

• Valve:  “Less
• Trigger:  “Can you imagine a party where there are no restrooms?  What can you do so that you and your guests won’t have to hold it?”
• Potential benefits:  I had to hit the “Huh?” button on this one, and here are the questions it posed:  “Can you think of variations of this idea?”  What is so interesting about this idea?”  “Is this idea to crazy for you?  Tone it down to suit your style.”  What is interesting about this idea is that it might limit how much alcohol people drink and how long they stay at the party.  For certain events where you want to celebrate in a short period of time, this would be really useful.

Component:  Drink

• Valve:  “More”
• Trigger:  “At your party, drinking is not taken lightly.  When your guest orders a drink, they will get a second drink with a higher proof of alcohol that the one they ordered.  It is their choice to drink it or give it to a friend.”
• Potential Benefits:  This will certainly accelerate the social lubrication aspect of drinking alcohol.  Perhaps it is a way for guest to try different cocktails.  Perhaps there is a theme to each drink around the main theme of the party.  Perhaps it is just an efficient way to make sure everyone has a fresh drink in their hand by having guests take the extra drink to someone who is empty.

Component:  Gifts

• Valve:  “Less”
• Trigger:  “At your party, you are not receiving tangible gifts, but you are still getting something that you can benefit from.  How is this possible?  What can you get instead of a gift?”
• Potential benefits:  Non-tangible gifts could include advice, referrals, feedback, encouragement, cheerfulness, laughter, information, insight, and compliments.