BTU overview
Faculty 4
Chair of Social work Prof. Dr. Daniela Cornelia Stix

Team Freight A tool for teams to visualise tasks, expectations and roles

The photo shows the materials for the "Team-Fracht" tool.
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The photo shows the ship's flag of the "Team-Fracht" tool.
Laboratory for didactics and methods

Team-Fracht is an innovative tool that helps teams visualise tasks, expectations and roles - be it to clarify responsibilities, for reflection or simply as an icebreaker at the start of a meeting. It combines the vivid metaphor of a ship with a haptic fabric map, allowing unspoken dynamics and perspectives to be revealed in a playful way. This enables teams to develop joint solutions and strengthen their collaboration.

The tool was developed by Dr Helmut Jansen. Further information about his work and this tool can be found here.

Number of participants

Minimum: 5; Optimum: 10-15; Maximum: 20

Age recommendation

From 16 years (suitable for young people and adults in team development settings)

Duration

60 to 90 minutes (depending on the focus and number of participants)

Space

Room with sufficient space for the fabric card (100 x 55 cm) and free movement around the table. Pens and moderation cards in different colours (blue, green, yellow and red) are also required.

Set-up and procedure

  • Preparation: The fabric map is spread out on a table. The supplied wooden discs with team roles, pens and moderation cards (for the optional matrix) are laid out. A moderator leads through the session.

  • Introductory round: Each participant positions a wooden disc on the card to visualise their personal mood or current role in the team. The following questions can be asked: "Where do you currently stand on the ship? What does your chosen place or symbol express?" The participants then explain their choice.

  • Role clarity: In a second step, the actual role in the team is reflected on in terms of function, responsibilities and external perception. Are there any unfilled or duplicated roles? What expectations or challenges become apparent?

  • Interactive scenarios: The participants simulate typical challenges using the ship metaphor, e.g. "leak in the hull" or "person overboard". In the process, behaviour patterns are made visible and reflected on together.

  • Optional matrix work: Using coloured moderation cards, a product/service matrix is created to analyse the extent to which the organisation's goals are being funded or hindered.

  • Evaluation: Finally, the findings are summarised: "What is already working well? Where is there potential for improvement?"

Team-Fracht is a versatile tool that can be used both in introductory situations and in in-depth reflection processes. It is ideal for workshops, supervision and team development programmes.