Stage 5 of 7
Methodology
Stage 5
Start Small: Experiments, Prototypes & Pilots
Purpose of this stage
Ideate low-cost and low-risk interventions to test what works
The Joy-Led City prioritises activity over perfection. Too often, good ideas become trapped in lengthy planning processes, waiting for funding, certainty or consensus before any action takes place. Instead, use this stage to identify how your strongest ideas could be tested quickly, affordably and collaboratively. Every pilot is an opportunity to learn, refine and build momentum towards lasting change.
5
Framework or tool used
Small Experiments Converter
Turn your ‘blue-sky’ ideas from the previous stage into practical experiments:
What IS THE ‘MINIMUM JOYFUL VERSION’ OF THIS IDEA?
HOW CAN YOU TEST THIS IN ONE DAY? ONE WEEK? ONE MONTH?
WHAT IDEA HAS THE BIGGEST IMPACT FROM THE SIMPLEST STARTING POINT?
Creative Prompts:
1.
Choose your favourite idea: What is the ‘Minimum Joyful Version’ of this idea?
2.
What could you do with only £100/£500/£1000 and some local Generosity?
3.
How could this idea be explored using a temporary installation, event, workshop or pop-up?
4.
What could you learn from a one-day experiment? What about one week?
5.
How could you test the idea using existing people, places or resources?
6.
Which part of the idea carries the greatest uncertainty, and how could you test just that element?
7.
How could local people become co-creators of the experiment, rather than just participants?
8.
What would a ‘minimum joyful experiment’ look like?
Downloadable worksheet
Small Experiments Converter
Theory & References