Quick Draw

How to Play

Setup

1. Group size: Works with 3–20+ participants. For very large groups, use breakout rooms of 5–8.
2. Materials (in-person): Blank paper or index cards, thick markers for bold lines, a visible 30-second timer.
3. Materials (virtual): A shared digital whiteboard (e.g., Miro, Mural, Zoom whiteboard) or have participants draw on paper and hold it up to the camera. Ensure cameras are on if possible.
4. Prompts: Prepare a list of fun, inclusive prompts (e.g., “your dream vacation,” “perfect weekend,” “favorite breakfast,” “a movie you love,” “your spirit animal,” “how you commute,” “a hobby you want to try”).
5. Framing: Emphasize that artistic skill is not required—stick figures and simple shapes win! The goal is speed, creativity, and laughter.

How to Play

1. Explain the objective: Draw the prompt in 30 seconds; after time is up, everyone reveals their drawing simultaneously; the group guesses what each drawing represents.
2. Round flow:
   • Announce or display the prompt.
   • Start the 30-second timer. Encourage big, bold shapes.
   • When the timer ends, say “pens down!”
   • On a countdown (3–2–1), everyone holds up or shares their drawing at the same time.
   • Guessing phase (30–60 seconds): The group guesses each person’s drawing. Artists stay quiet initially; if guesses stall, they may give a one-word hint or gesture.
3. Scoring (optional):
   • Light mode: No points—celebrate laughs and reveals.
   • Points mode: Each correct guesser earns 1 point. The artist earns 1 point per correct guess (max 3). Keep it friendly.
4. Run 3–5 rounds with new prompts. Keep energy brisk and rotate who speaks first.
5. Quick debrief: Ask 1–2 volunteers to share the story behind a drawing. Highlight creative interpretations and humor.

Rules

1. Time limit: 30 seconds per drawing—no extensions.
2. No letters, numbers, or words in drawings (universal symbols like arrows are okay). If accessibility needs arise, allow minimal labeling (e.g., a category word) by exception.
3. Reveal simultaneously—no early peeking.
4. Keep content respectful and workplace-appropriate.
5. Artists stay silent during initial guesses; offer a short hint only if needed.
6. Facilitator resolves ties, ambiguous calls, or prompt clarifications.

Tips

• Make the timer visible and use a fun sound for time-up.
• Demonstrate with a silly 10-second example to reduce anxiety.
• Choose inclusive prompts that don’t require niche knowledge.
• Encourage bold lines and large shapes for visibility on camera.
• Mix difficulty: combine concrete ("pizza") and abstract ("relaxation") prompts.
• For virtual groups, remind participants to angle cameras or use thick markers.
• Keep rounds short to maintain momentum—use music between rounds.

Variations

• Team Sprint: Split into small teams. One artist per team draws; teammates guess. Rotate artists each round.
• Duel Mode: Two artists get the same prompt head-to-head; first team to guess wins the round.
• Relay Draw: Person A draws for 15 seconds, passes to B for 15 more (virtual: swap screen sharer). Then reveal and guess.
• Theme Pack: Run a mini-series on themes (travel, food, weekend plans, movies) to spark connections.
• Emoji-Only: Limit shapes to simple icons (circles, squares, arrows) to level the field.
• Accessibility: Allow digital tools with thicker brushes, larger canvas, or brief verbal hints as needed.