The Next Killer App?

Carl Berger University of Michigan
December 5-6, 2002

The Killer Apps!
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See the barriers or things to give up

Killer Apps: About the Process
This activity uses a technique known as Nominal Group Process (NGP), "is a structured problem-solving orideas-generating strategy in which individuals's ideas are gathered and combined in a face-to-face nonthreatening group situation." (more...)

In this activity, we will use NGP in groups of 5-10 persons to identify a "killer app" and to analyze its characteristics.

Instructions

Identify the Killer App. In your college team or table groups, take 5 minutes to agree upon a "killer app" that the group thinks will meet the criteria presented today. Write this on your flip chart paper.
Brainstorm the Must-Have Features. Each person should then take a few minutes to jot down on a piece of paper a list of the "must have" features of this killer app.
Share the Features. Team members take turns contributing one "must-have" feature- this should be concisely explained (as bullet points) and written on the flip chart paper without discussion or judgement. Individuals can "pass" their turn. The list is done when all items have been read.
Condense the List. As a group identify listed items that are similar enough to group together. Circle related items and connect with lines to indicate connected ideas.
Vote on Items. Thae the total number of listed features (N), divide by 2 and add 1 ( N/2 + 1). This identifies how many votes each team member can cast. Individuals use tick marks to identify the features they think are most important. For example, if there are 12 items, each members can vote for the 7 each thinks is most important.
Report Out. Group spokesperson announces the "Killer App" they discussed and shares the top 3-4 "must-have features" (ones with the most votes).
Identify Barriers. As a followup activity, the group should list what it is that must be given up to develop this Killer App or what the barriers are to doing so.
Share Barriers. Group spokesperson reports out ther barriers. For each one, they ask for a hand raise from other groups that listed the same barriers. Subsequent groups then only list barriers that have not been shared.

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