What Is The Walt Disney Method? Walt Disney Method In A Nutshell

The Walt Disney method is a parallel thinking technique used by groups to analyze problems, generate and evaluate ideas, and construct and critique a plan of action. The Walt Disney method was invented by author and trainer Robert B. Dilts in 1994. It moves along three role-playing figures: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic.

Understanding the Walt Disney method

Dilts named the method after Walt Disney, whom he considered a highly creative individual who also displayed the ability to harshly critique his own ideas. In fact, Disney himself apparently once said to a close associate that “There were actually three different Walts: the dreamer, the realist, and the spoiler. You never knew which one was coming to the meeting.”

As a result, the Walt Disney method helps small teams develop new ideas and solutions by adopting the various roles Disney adopted during his own creative process.

In the next section, we’ll discuss these roles in more detail.

The three roles of the Walt Disney method

Though the method was not fully developed by Disney, the method for which he is named enables practitioners to bridge the gap between imagination and reality.

The three roles are described below:

1. The dreamer – this role is all about fantasizing. The team is encouraged to list the most fantastic or absurd ideas possible without worrying about their viability or criticism from others. What is the dream solution for the problem? What if it were possible?
2. The realist – the realist takes the ideas generated by the dreamer and assesses them for practicality. In other words, how might the solution be achieved or implemented? How might the idea be evaluated? Can a realistic timeline or action plan be created?
3. The critic – as Walt Disney suggested earlier, it is vital to be able to assess each idea by identifying potential weaknesses, obstacles, or risks. Critics determine who might oppose the solution and what could go wrong. They also assess whether the solution is the right fit for the organization or customer and importantly, whether it is affordable.

Implementing the Walt Disney method

Here is a very general approach to implementing the Walt Disney method for businesses:

1. Establish separate brainstorming rooms – the Walt Disney method should be performed in three different rooms, with every room representing one of the roles described above. Designating different rooms for different ideation strategies helps the team get into the appropriate frame of mind.
2. Begin brainstorming – for around 60-90 minutes, the group assumes the various personas and associated traits of each perspective to generate ideas.
3. Rotate rooms – after the required time has elapsed, the group moves to the next room and assumes the traits of the next perspective. 
4. Generate viable ideas – once the group has had a turn at playing the three perspectives, it is time to refine the list of ideas. Open questions posed by the critic regarding idea viability must be revisited by the group returning to the dreamer role, which starts the process once more. The Walt Disney Method is considered complete when the critic can no longer poke holes in the viability of ideas generated by the dreamer and realist.

Key takeaways:

• The Walt Disney method is a parallel thinking technique used by groups to analyze problems, generate and evaluate ideas, and construct and critique a plan of action. It was created by author and trainer Robert B. Dilts in 1994.
• The Walt Disney method is based on three roles loosely adapted from the way Walt Disney would generate creative ideas. These roles are the dreamer, the realist, and the critic. 
• For best results, the Walt Disney method should be conducted in three different rooms. A single team must adopt each of the three perspectives sequentially, repeating the process until the critic can no longer find fault with a list of generated ideas.

Key Highlights of the Walt Disney Method:

• Origin and Purpose: The Walt Disney method is a parallel thinking technique developed by Robert B. Dilts in 1994, inspired by Walt Disney’s creative process. It is used by groups to analyze problems, brainstorm ideas, and construct action plans.
• Three Role-Playing Figures:
  • The Dreamer: Encourages imaginative thinking without concern for practicality. Focuses on generating fantastic and creative ideas.
  • The Realist: Evaluates the feasibility and practicality of the ideas generated by the dreamer. Develops plans for implementation and assessment.
  • The Critic: Identifies weaknesses, obstacles, and potential risks associated with the ideas. Assesses whether the ideas are suitable for the organization or customers.
• Method Implementation:
  • Separate Brainstorming Rooms: The Walt Disney method is conducted in three separate rooms, each representing one of the three roles. This separation helps participants adopt the appropriate mindset.
  • Brainstorming: Participants spend 60-90 minutes in each room, assuming the perspectives of dreamer, realist, and critic to generate ideas.
  • Rotation: After the designated time, the group moves to the next room, adopting the next perspective in a sequential manner.
  • Idea Refinement: The group revisits and refines the generated ideas, addressing questions posed by the critic regarding viability. The process continues until the critic can no longer find faults in the ideas.
• Key Takeaways:
  • The method encourages creative thinking and practical evaluation of ideas.
  • It separates the creative process into distinct roles to ensure comprehensive idea development.
  • The Walt Disney method is considered complete when the generated ideas withstand critical analysis, promoting well-rounded solutions.

Case Studies

• Disney Studios:
  • Role-Play in Film Production: Disney Studios, the company that bears Walt Disney’s name, is known for using the Walt Disney method in its creative process for animated and live-action films. During brainstorming sessions, teams adopt the Dreamer role to generate imaginative ideas for characters, storylines, and settings. Then, they switch to the Realist role to evaluate the practicality of animation techniques and production costs. Finally, they transition to the Critic role to identify potential plot holes and areas needing improvement. This structured approach has contributed to the success of iconic films like “The Lion King” and “Frozen.”
• Apple:
  • Product Development: Apple has a history of employing the Walt Disney method in its product development process. For example, when conceptualizing the iPhone, Apple’s design team initially acted as Dreamers, envisioning a revolutionary device that could combine a phone, music player, and internet communicator. They then transitioned to the Realist role, considering technical constraints and feasibility. Finally, they adopted the Critic role to identify potential challenges and refine the concept. This method played a pivotal role in the creation of a groundbreaking product.
• Google:
  • Innovation and New Product Ideas: Google has embraced the Walt Disney method in its “Moonshot Factory,” also known as X. Teams at X use this approach to brainstorm ambitious and innovative projects. As Dreamers, they generate radical ideas for solving significant global problems, such as providing internet access to remote areas via high-altitude balloons. The Realist role involves evaluating the technical, financial, and logistical aspects of these moonshot ideas. Finally, the Critic role helps identify potential risks and drawbacks, guiding project development.
• Coca-Cola:
  • Marketing Campaigns: Coca-Cola has utilized the Walt Disney method in its marketing and advertising campaigns. When launching a new campaign, the marketing team initially takes on the Dreamer role to brainstorm creative and engaging ideas for commercials or promotions. Then, they transition to the Realist role to assess the practicality of implementing these ideas within budget and time constraints. The Critic role helps them identify potential negative reactions or issues with the proposed campaign, leading to refined marketing strategies.
• Ford:
  • Product Innovation: Ford Motor Company has applied the Walt Disney method to foster innovation in its vehicle design and development process. Design teams begin by dreaming up futuristic vehicle concepts that push the boundaries of technology and design. In the Realist role, they consider engineering challenges, safety regulations, and manufacturing feasibility. The Critic role is then used to scrutinize potential drawbacks and refine the designs. This approach has contributed to Ford’s reputation for innovation in the automotive industry.

Connected Brainstorming Frameworks

Starbusting

Appreciative Inquiry

Round-robin Brainstorming

Constructive Controversy

Affinity Grouping

The Fishbone Diagram

Rolestorming

Reverse Brainstorming

Lotus Diagram

Futures Wheel

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