Alternative Uses Test
This team building activity stimulates creative thinking and encourages divergent ideation. It helps teams discover other potential uses, breaking habitual thinking patterns. This very easy, free setup takes only 10–12 minutes.
What is the Alternative Uses Test?
The Alternative Uses Test is a well-known creativity exercise used in psychology and innovation training. It challenges participants to think of as many different uses as possible for a common object. The object is usually simple and familiar (a paperclip, brick, spoon, or cardboard box). Participants move beyond the object’s typical function and imagine new, unusual, or unexpected uses (for example, a paperclip as a phone stand, bookmark, sculpture component, or zipper pull). The activity highlights how creativity emerges when people challenge assumptions about everyday objects.
How do you play the Alternative Uses Test?
Divide participants into teams of 3 to 5 people, or run it individually before sharing with the group. Choose a simple object and announce it clearly (for example: come up with as many uses as possible for a paperclip). Set a 5-minute timer. Participants generate as many ideas as they can and write them down without evaluating practicality. When time ends, teams share ideas with the group. Optionally award points for the most ideas, the most creative idea, or the most surprising use.
Why it’s great for a team
This activity demonstrates how creative thinking expands when teams challenge assumptions. It strengthens divergent thinking (many ideas over one solution), creative exploration (unusual possibilities), collaborative brainstorming (building on others’ suggestions), and mental flexibility (reframing familiar objects). It’s often entertaining and energizing, and it shows teams that originality typically appears after the obvious ideas are exhausted.
How to organize it effectively
Pick objects that are familiar and versatile—paperclips, bricks, and boxes work well. Emphasize quantity over quality during the timed phase and explicitly welcome weird or humorous ideas. After sharing, debrief with: When did ideas start getting more unusual? Did other teams’ ideas inspire you? What helped you move beyond the object’s normal function? When facilitated well, the Alternative Uses Test becomes a simple, high-value team building activity for creativity and ideation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alternative Uses Test?
The Alternative Uses Test is a classic creativity exercise where participants are asked to brainstorm as many unconventional or non-standard uses as possible for a common object within a time limit. This activity encourages individuals to break free from typical perceptions and think outside the box.
How does the Alternative Uses Test foster divergent thinking?
This test directly promotes divergent thinking by challenging participants to generate a wide array of unique solutions from a single starting point. It encourages the exploration of multiple pathways and possibilities, rather than seeking a single correct answer.
Is the Alternative Uses Test effective for team building?
Absolutely, the Alternative Uses Test is an excellent team-building activity that encourages collaboration and playful competition among participants. It fosters a shared creative experience, improves communication, and helps team members appreciate different perspectives.
What examples of everyday objects can be used in the Alternative Uses Test?
Ideal objects for the Alternative Uses Test are common, simple items without obvious specialized functions, such as a brick, a paperclip, a shoelace, or a plastic spoon. The simplicity of the object allows for a greater range of imaginative and unexpected uses to emerge.
What are the benefits of finding other potential uses for objects?
Discovering other potential uses for objects enhances problem-solving skills and boosts innovation by encouraging a flexible mindset. This practice helps individuals and teams approach challenges from novel angles, leading to creative solutions beyond their initial intended purposes.