Your mission. A big, empty cardboard box. Find as many things as you can that it could be or be used for — in five minutes. Quantity first!

How it works

  1. Set a timer for five minutes (or ask someone to watch the clock).
  2. Write every idea into the boxes below — one idea per line. The book counts your ideas for you.
  3. Don't stop to judge. «A hat for a giraffe» counts. «A house for ants» counts.
  4. When the easy ideas run out, use these question tricks:
    • What if the box were huge? What if it were tiny?
    • What could an animal, a baby or an astronaut do with it?
    • What if you cut it, fold it or paint it?

Write it

Done? Compare with ideas from the lab — and remember: there is no single right answer.

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