Strategy · Problem-solving · Coordination
Bridge Builders
Two teams in separate rooms each build half a bridge and must make it meet in the middle, communicating only through envoys.
Quick answer
How do you run Bridge Builders with a team?
Two teams in separate rooms each build half a bridge and must make it meet in the middle, communicating only through envoys. Duration: 1 hour. Group size: 8–60 people. Setting: Indoor. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Group size
- 8–60 people
- Setting
- Indoor
- Energy level
- Active
- Materials
- Two identical kits: cardboard, tape, rulers, scissors, Two rooms or a screen dividing one room, A gap of 50 cm to span
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
Objective
Experience cross-team coordination and the cost of unclear interfaces.
Materials
- Two identical kits: cardboard, tape, rulers, scissors
- Two rooms or a screen dividing one room
- A gap of 50 cm to span
Step by step
- Split into two teams and send them to separate spaces.
- Each team plans its half for 10 minutes.
- Teams may send one envoy at a time for 2-minute meetings.
- Build for 30 minutes; at the end, bring the halves together.
- Test the bridge with a weight and debrief on information flow.
Facilitator tips
- Design the kit so success depends on agreeing height and width early.
- A neutral observer per team adds insight for the debrief.
Variations
- Add a "client" who changes one requirement halfway through.
Accessibility
Roles include envoy, builder, planner and quality checker; all can be done seated.
