6-to-1

Purpose

6-to-1 forces divergent thinking by requiring each participant to generate six different concepts quickly, preventing attachment to a single idea. The constraint of six panels pushes past the first obvious solution and into more creative territory. The convergence step ensures the best idea gets refined attention.

At a glance

• Group size: 3–12
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Low to moderate
• Facilitation style: Individual sketching with group share-out
• Setting: Table with paper and markers

How to run

1. Fold the paper (1 min): Each participant folds an A4/letter sheet into six panels.
2. Sketch six ideas (12 min, 2 min per panel): Set a timer. In each panel, sketch a different solution concept. Rough sketches only — words and arrows are fine. No talking.
3. Review your six (3 min): Each participant looks at their own six panels and stars their favourite.
4. Share favourites (10 min): Each person presents their starred concept in 1–2 minutes. Others listen without critique.
5. Select for development (4 min): Each person takes their selected concept and develops it into a more detailed single sketch (this becomes input for prototyping).

Materials needed

• A4/letter paper (one sheet per person)
• Markers or pens
• Timer
• Optional: dot stickers for group voting

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Six variations of the same idea: Each panel must be genuinely different. Push for variety.
• Spending too long on one panel: The 2-minute constraint is critical. Move on even if the sketch is rough.
• Skipping the convergence step: Six ideas without selecting one leads to decision paralysis.
• Making it a drawing contest: Stick figures are fine. The value is in the concept, not the art.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Emphasise that drawing skill does not matter — words, arrows, and diagrams are valid.
• Allow written descriptions instead of sketches for participants who strongly prefer text.
• Use a visible timer with both visual and audio cues.

Variations

• 6-to-1 with voting: After sharing, the group votes on which concept across all participants to develop.
• 6-to-1 relay: After the first round, pass your paper to a neighbour who adds detail to your starred concept.
• 8-to-1 or 4-to-1: Adjust the number of panels based on time available.

When NOT to use this

• When the challenge requires deep analysis rather than rapid concept generation.
• When participants have zero context on the problem — brief them first.
• When one concept has already been selected and needs refinement, not alternatives.

Source & further reading

• Knapp, Jake — *Sprint* (Simon & Schuster, 2016) — related "Crazy 8s" exercise
• Greenberg, Carpendale, Marquardt & Buxton — *Sketching User Experiences: The Workbook* (Morgan Kaufmann, 2011)
• d.school, Stanford — ideation sketching methods