The 5-Minute Branding Challenge

Purpose

This exercise challenges delegates to think creatively and collaboratively under time pressure, developing branding concepts for a fictional product. It enhances their ability to generate ideas quickly, solve problems creatively, and work effectively in teams.

Objective

Delegates will be divided into small teams and tasked with developing a brand name, tagline, and a basic logo for a completely fictitious product within 5 minutes. Afterward, each team will present their brand to the group, explaining their creative decisions and branding strategy.

What You Need

• Flipchart paper or blank A4 sheets (one per group)
• Colour markers for sketching logos
• A list of fictitious products such as “smart umbrella”, “self-cooling jacket”, “solar-powered boots”. Print or write on cards for distribution.

Setup

• Introduce the activity by explaining the importance of branding in marketing and how creativity, quick decision-making, and teamwork contribute to effective brand creation.
• Divide the delegates into small teams of roughly three people.
• Distribute a fictitious product to each team from your list (e.g., " self-cooling jacket"). Ensure each team has a unique product to add variety to the final presentations.
• Give each team 5 minutes to develop:
  • A brand name for their product.
  • A tagline that captures the essence of the product and brand.
  • A simple sketch of a logo representing the brand. This can be hand-drawn on flipchart paper or A4 sheets using the colour markers provided.
• At the end of the 5 minutes, instruct each team to prepare a brief 2-minute presentation where they will share their brand name, tagline, and logo with the group. They should also explain their creative process, how they chose their brand elements, and why their brand would appeal to potential customers.
• Facilitate the presentations and maintain a fast-paced, energetic atmosphere.
• Once all groups have presented, conduct a group discussion to reflect on the activity.

Timing

Explaining the Exercise: 5 minutes

Activity: 5 min (brainstorming and creation) + 15 min (team presentations) = 20 min

Group Feedback: 10 minutes

Discussion

After the presentations, bring the group together to discuss the exercise. Use the following questions to guide the conversation:

• How did the time constraint impact your creativity? Did it help you focus or create additional pressure?
• What was the most challenging part of the exercise—coming up with the name, the tagline, or the logo? Why?
• How did your team approach the brainstorming process? Was there a clear leader, or did you work collaboratively?
• What strategies did you use to make quick decisions as a group?
• Were you surprised by the ideas your team generated under time pressure?
• What did you learn about working creatively under time constraints that you can apply in your professional environment?

Variations

• Decrease or increase the time available to work as a team and come up with the brand.
• Run multiple rounds with demo and feedback sessions in between to create an iterative process. Teams can then inspire each other with their ideas, approach and presentation.
• Have delegates vote on their favourite brand at the end (or end of a round), encouraging a friendly competition.

Soft Skills Training Materials

Browse Full Product Catalogue

About Our Training Materials

Get downloadable training materials

Online Train the Trainer Course:
Core Skills

Learn How to Become the Best Trainer in Your Field

Full Course Details

All Tags

Full Index

Available as paperback and ebook

Download a free comprehensive training package including training guidelines, soft skills training activities, assessment forms and useful training resources that you can use to enhance your courses.

Get Insights - Read Guides and Books - Attend Courses