Blind Drawing

Blind Drawing

Setup

1. Form pairs. If there’s an odd number, create a triad with one Describer and two Drawers using the same instructions.
2. Materials: For in-person—printed image cards (simple objects, scenes, or abstract designs), blank paper, pens/markers, and a timer. For virtual—digital image set, breakout rooms, and a shared digital whiteboard or just paper held up to the webcam.
3. Seating/visibility: Sit pairs back-to-back or ensure the Drawer cannot see the image (no peeking). In virtual sessions, privately message or email the image to the Describer.
4. Image bank: Prepare 10–20 varied images in advance. Avoid text-heavy images or logos; choose visuals that encourage describing shapes, positions, and relationships.

How to Play

1. Assign roles: one Describer (receives the image) and one Drawer (blank paper/pen).
2. Explain constraints: Describers describe the image without saying what it is or using obvious, disallowed words. Focus on shapes, relative positions, sizes, and sequence. Default time is 3–5 minutes per round.
3. Start Round 1: Distribute/send images to Describers only. Start the timer.
4. Communication: The Describer gives step-by-step verbal instructions. The Drawer draws based only on what they hear. Optional: allow brief clarifying questions (e.g., yes/no or short clarifications). Define this before starting.
5. Time’s up: Stop drawing. Pairs compare the original image with the drawing. Encourage quick reactions and laughter.
6. Swap roles and repeat with a new image. Run 2–3 rounds to let everyone experience both roles.
7. Debrief (5–10 minutes): Discuss what helped or hindered clarity, assumptions made, how sequencing mattered, and the value of feedback loops.

Rules

1. The Describer may not say the object’s name or category, nor use taboo or overly revealing words (facilitator provides examples or a list).
2. No gestures, pointing, showing the image, spelling letters/numbers, or tracing.
3. The Drawer may not look at the image and must keep their paper hidden from the Describer until time ends.
4. Communication mode is set by the facilitator: one-way only, or one-way with limited clarifying questions.
5. Respect the time limit and switch roles each round.
6. Keep language inclusive and professional; no inappropriate images.

Tips

• Coach structure: Encourage Describers to orient first (e.g., “Imagine a 10x10 grid”), then move left-to-right, top-to-bottom.
• Use relative sizing and positions (“a small circle centered inside a large square,” “two triangles touching at the points”).
• Start with simpler images, then increase complexity across rounds.
• For virtual play, send images via private chat/email and use a shared whiteboard or have Drawers hold their paper to the camera for the reveal.
• Model a 30-second demo before starting so expectations are clear.
• Debrief with focused prompts: What phrasing worked? Where did assumptions creep in? How could feedback loops be improved on your team?

Variations

• No Questions: Pure one-way communication to emphasize precision and sequencing.
• Taboo List: Add extra banned words (e.g., “circle,” “line,” “arrow”) to boost creativity.
• Relay Chain (3–4 people): Person A sees the image and describes to B; B redraws and describes to C; C draws final. Compare first and last.
• Competitive Teams: Multiple pairs draw the same image; award points for accuracy and clarity.
• Role Emphasis: Tie to real work—Describer as “spec writer,” Drawer as “builder”—then discuss how to improve briefs and clarifications.