Representación abstracta de la metodología participativa Voto de confianza. En estetica de collage se ve una mano mostrando todos los dedos dando un completo voto de confianza.

Confidence Vote

Confidence vote is a fast-paced participatory dynamic that allows groups to make quick decisions, identify consensus, uncertainties, or levels of commitment to an idea, proposal, or plan. Participants vote by showing their level of confidence on a visual scale, facilitating reflection and discussion. It is ideal for collaborative processes, design, planning, or evaluation, and allows proposals to be adjusted based on the group’s real level of acceptance or concern.

Preparation

Define the purpose:
- Make participatory decisions quickly and transparently.
- Identify areas of uncertainty or disagreement regarding a proposal.
- Encourage dialogue based on expressed confidence levels.
Prepare the materials:
- Whiteboard or flipchart to write down proposals.
- Markers and sticky notes (optional).
- Visual scale from 1 to 5 (drawn or printed).
Set up the space:
- Ensure the space is visible to all participants.
- Create a zone where participants can move freely or raise their hands.
To carry out the dynamic virtually:
- Use collaborative platforms that allow quick visual voting or reactions (for example, sliders or numbered emojis).

Step-by-step instructions

Introducing the dynamic
- Explain that each participant will express their level of confidence in an idea or proposal using a scale from 1 to 5.
- The scale represents: 1 = no confidence; 5 = total confidence.
Reading the proposal
- Present an idea, decision, or plan to the group.
- Ensure everyone understands what is being evaluated.
Voting
- Each participant indicates their level of confidence by raising fingers (1 to 5), standing in the room’s scale, or writing their vote.
- It can be done silently to avoid group pressure.
Reflection and conversation
- Invite those who voted 1 or 2 to share why they have low confidence (if they feel comfortable).
- Also invite those who voted 5 to share what convinced them.
Iteration or adjustment
- If there is wide dispersion, allow the proposal to be modified and repeat the vote.

Recommendations

Do not force people to justify their vote if they are not comfortable.
Avoid group pressure that may affect the sincerity of responses.
Repeat the vote if key elements of the proposal change.
Emphasize that all votes are valid, even low ones, as they help improve the proposal.

Inspiration

Examples

Digital Confidence Voting, Questiory

Variations for applying the Confidence Vote

With a graphic scale: Participants place their vote on a horizontal line from 1 to 5 using post-its.
With ropes or tape on the floor: They move along a scale marked on the ground.
With numbered cards: Each person holds up a card with their vote.
With colored bars: They associate colors with confidence levels (red = low, green = high) and vote visually.
With emojis or digital reactions: Ideal for virtual or hybrid spaces.

Recommended uses in different contexts

Participatory planning: Measure commitment to specific goals or actions.
Organizational management: Detect areas of risk or internal resistance.
Educational processes: Explore perceptions of confidence in relation to a learning proposal.
Participatory research: Evaluate hypotheses or approaches proposed by the group.
Service design: Understand which ideas generate more security or uncertainty in the group.

Materials

Whiteboard or flip chart
Markers and sticky notes
Visual scale from 1 to 5 (drawn, printed, or outlined)
Numbered cards or elements to represent votes
Optional: colored items to indicate levels of confidence

Online platforms

Purpose

The purpose of Confidence vote is to facilitate fast and conscious group decision-making through the visual expression of agreement or confidence levels. This dynamic helps identify consensus, uncertainties, or resistance to an idea or proposal, promoting meaningful conversations and collaborative improvements. It is useful for validating options, prioritizing ideas, or gauging the level of collective commitment in a simple and participatory way.

Type of activity

Collective Reflection Participatory Design Participatory Evaluation Participatory Planning

Level of participation

Inquiry, Collaboration, Shared decision-making, Collaborative assessment

Target audience

Facilitators, Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government, Creative designers

Fields of application

Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Technology and digital environments, Citizen and social participation