Need Popping Fresh Ideas On-Demand?
Feeling like your brain is fried and creativity is on vacation?
Hack the marketing “Decoy Effect” to generate popping fresh ideas on-demand!
We’re all familiar with the “Decoy Effect” in marketing – a seemingly inferior third option nudges consumers toward a preferred choice.
What if we could hack this concept to generate innovative ideas better than any regular brainstorming sessions that mostly end up fizzling out anyway?
Let me explain
Instead of a seemingly inferior third option, you flip it to a seemingly “OUTLANDISH” crazy third option to nudge people toward a more innovative and effective idea or concept.
Think of it like this, by introducing an outlandish option, the original ideas suddenly appear less attractive and boring!
You or your team have no choice but to explore new innovative possibilities. This can lead to unexpected breakthroughs that might not have been considered otherwise.
Example…
A museum is struggling to attract younger visitors (18-25 year olds). Initial brainstorming gets two options:
Option A: Invite local famous influencers.
Option B: Develop interactive (AR) exhibits.
→ Now throw in the outlandish “Decoy Effect” option:
Option C (Decoy): Host after dark couple’s dinner party, with DJ Khaled and a game of musical chairs with Ken and Barbie.
This “decoy” (after dark event) sparks a new actionable idea:
↳ Host a theme-based speed dating event based on the museum’s collection (e.g. “Dino-mite Date Night” for a natural history museum, and “Future Flirts” for a science museum) – everyone dresses in theme-based costumes with some lighthearted fun social media engagement (hashtag
hashtag#MuseumMischief).
To make this event more memorable, keep adding more outlandish decoy items:
- On-site Hollywood matchmaker (Decoy) = Matching interests:
↳ Using a pre-screening survey on interests related to the museum’s exhibits to create more meaningful pairings. Seating is chosen from random numbers dug out from a fossil sandpit to ensure that every placement starts with a surprise. - Create this event as a Roblox game (Decoy) = Gamification:
↳ Integrate points for participating in mini-escape room style challenges, and answering exhibit quiz questions correctly without googling. These points can unlock bonus features (longer chat time, skipping tables, moving to a table where there is a person of interest, special exhibit access, VIP dance + dinner, or entering a prize draw). - Museum tours with Barney & Friends (Decoy) = Expert Encounters:
↳ Have surprise interactions with museum experts or actors dressed as fun learning figures like Indiana Jones explaining archaeology. These experts can answer questions and provide unique insights related to the exhibits.
So, the next time you’re facing a challenge, don’t be afraid to throw in outlandish “decoy” options. You might just be surprised by the creative solutions it sparks!
