Background
With apologies to Dr. Seuss, SAMM I Am actually refers to a method known as Sequence- Attribute Modifications Matrix. It was developed by Brooks and later described by Souder and Ziegler (1977). SAMM I Am differs from other activities in that it was designed specifically for problems involving a sequence of steps (for example, various processes). Thus, it will not be useful for more general idea generation problems.
Objectives
• To help participants generate as many creative ideas as possible
• To help participants learn how to use the activities to generate ideas
Participants
Small groups of four to seven people each
Materials,Supplies,and Equipment
• For each group: markers, two flip charts, and masking tape for posting flip-chart sheets
• For each participant: one sheet each of three different colors of sticking dots (1?2” diameter) and one pad of 4 x 6 Post-it® Notes
Handout
• SAMM I Am Handout
Time
60 minutes
Related Activities
• Circle of Opportunity [23]
• Ideas in a Box [25]
• Mad Scientist [27]
• 666 [34]
Procedure
1. Have each group obtain a sheet of flip-chart paper and tape it lengthwise to a wall or lay it down on a table.
2. Distribute the SAMM I Am Handout, review it with the participants, and answer any questions they may have.
3. Tell them to list the major process activities and then ways to modify any process (for example, speed up, eliminate, rearrange), as shown in the handout.
4. Have them draw a matrix with process steps listed on the left and potential modifications listed along the top.
5. Instruct them to examine each cell (the intersection of steps and modifications) and use them to suggest possible ideas/modifications for that step.
6. Tell them to write down their ideas on Post-it® Notes (one idea per note) and place them on flip charts for evaluation.
Taken From : Pfeiffer 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity
