NUF Test

Preparation

Set up the game by quickly creating a matrix of ideas against the criteria:

• New: Has the idea been tried before? An idea will score higher here if it is significantly different from approaches that have come before it. A new idea captures attention and possibility.
• Useful: Does the idea actually solve the problem? An idea that solves the problem completely, without creating any new problems, will score better here.
• Feasible: Can it be done? A new and useful idea still has to be weighed against its cost to implement. Ideas that require fewer resources and effort to be realized will score better here.

Flow

To play, the group rates each idea from 1 to 10 for each criterion and tallies the results. A group may choose to write down scores individually at first and then call out their results on each item and criterion to create the tally. Scoring should be done quickly, as in a “gut” check.

A discussion after the scores have been tallied may uncover uncertainties about an idea or previously underrated ideas. The group may then choose to make an idea stronger, as in “How do we make this idea more feasible with fewer resources?”