Participatory Methods

Decision maze

Decision maze is a participatory activity simulating a decision-making process where participants navigate through various scenarios, options, and possible outcomes. Designed to foster critical analysis, collaboration, and reflection, this methodology helps explore how decisions are made and their implications in a given context.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Set the objective: analyze a problem, evaluate strategic options, or practice decision-making skills?
  2. Design the maze:
    • Create a diagram with multiple decision paths leading to different outcomes. Each path should include options, challenges, and possible consequences.
    • Example: “If you choose A, you face X; if you choose B, you move towards Y but lose Z.”
  3. Prepare the materials:
    • Diagrams, whiteboards, or digital platforms to display the maze and options.
    • Tokens, notes, or visual resources to represent decisions and their effects.
  4. Set up the space:
    • If in-person, arrange stations representing each decision point.
    • If virtual, use interactive tools to navigate the maze online.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain the objective of the activity and how the maze simulates a decision-making process.
    • Emphasize the importance of analyzing options and reflecting on their consequences.
  2. Present the context and the maze
    • Describe the central problem or situation.
    • Show the maze diagram and possible paths without revealing final outcomes.
  3. Divide into teams
    • Form small teams (3-5 people) to encourage discussion and consensus in decision-making.
  4. Navigate the maze
    • Each team selects an initial path and progresses through the maze, making decisions at key points.
    • After each decision, reveal the outcome or consequences, and the team must choose the next option.
  5. Document decisions
    • Each team records their choices and reflects on the reasoning behind their decisions.
  6. Group discussion and final analysis
    • At the end of the maze, teams share their paths, decisions, and insights.
    • Facilitate a discussion on patterns, challenges, and strategies used during the activity.
  7. Closing and reflection
    • Highlight key learnings:
      • What factors influenced their decisions?
      • What would they do differently in the future?
      • How can they apply these insights to real-life situations?
Recommendations
  • Ensure variety: Design paths with diverse options to maintain engagement.
  • Facilitate reflection: Encourage teams to discuss their decisions and the reasoning behind them.
  • Document the paths: Keep a record of decisions to review during the final reflection.
  • Adjust complexity: Tailor the level of challenge to the group and the workshop’s purpose.
Materials
  • Diagrams, whiteboards, or boards to display the maze.
  • Tokens, sticky notes, or visual resources to represent decisions.
Online platforms
Purpose
The purpose of the Decision maze is to develop critical analysis and collaboration skills by simulating complex decision-making processes and reflecting on their implications.
Type of activity
Participatory InteractionParticipatory LearningParticipatory Planning
Level of participation
Information, Collaboration, Empowerment, Collaborative assessment, Knowledge generation
Target audience
Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Art, culture, and creativity, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Technology and digital environments, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
From 20 to 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the maze, modality, and group size.
Ideal number of participants
From 10 to 30 participants, working in small teams.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationActive LearningCollaborative Decision-MakingCollaborative DiagnosisCollaborative LearningCollaborative ReflectionCreative Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingGamificationMicrolearningParticipatory AnalysisProblem SolvingTeamworkVisual Tool
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