Dot Voting

Dot Voting is a participatory technique combining analysis and prioritization to identify the most relevant proposals or lines of work within a collective process. Primarily used in the EASW method (European Awareness Scenario Workshop), this technique helps to clarify central ideas, prioritize actions in the face of limited resources, and promote inter-group collaboration.

Preparation

Define the purpose:
- Identify the most important or prioritized proposals within a working group.
- Encourage equitable participation and consensus among participants.
- Bring perspective and focus into complex processes with limited resources.
Prepare materials:
- Large flipcharts or posters for groups to display their proposals.
- Markers, scissors, newspapers, and other materials for creative presentations.
- Cards or tokens for assigning points (e.g., adhesive dots, colored stickers).
- Sufficient space for groups to meet and work comfortably.
Set up the space:
- Arrange worktables for small groups and a common area for presentations.
- Set up an area where flipcharts or posters are clearly visible to all participants.
To conduct the activity virtually:
- Use online collaborative tools for groups to present their proposals, such as digital whiteboards or virtual boards.
- Utilize online surveys or forms to distribute points among the proposals.
- Set up video conferencing sessions to discuss and analyze proposals before voting.

Step-by-step Instructions

Initial group analysis
- Divide participants into small groups or worktables.
- Each group analyzes the proposed issue or topic, using prior diagnostic techniques if needed.
- Create proposals or action lines addressing identified causes and potential solutions.
Presentation of proposals
- A spokesperson from each group presents their conclusions on a flipchart or poster, highlighting causal aspects and possible actions.
- Groups may use creative materials to present their proposals visually and attractively.
Distribution of points
- Each participant receives a limited number of points (for example, tokens or adhesive dots) to distribute among the proposals they find most important or interesting.
- Optional: Set rules such as prohibiting voting for one’s own group’s proposal or including a “black dot” as an opposition indicator in cases of fundamental disagreement.
Prioritization and convergence
- Count the points assigned to each proposal and rank them accordingly.
- If possible, encourage convergence among the highest-scoring proposals to identify central themes or key ideas.
- If convergence isn’t necessary, maintain multiple lines of analysis or work proposals to approach the issue from various perspectives.
Group reflection
- Guide a final discussion on prioritization results and how they reflect group needs and goals.
- Establish next steps based on the selected proposals.

Recommendations

Set clear rules: Define guidelines for assigning points, including restrictions such as not voting for one’s own proposal.
Facilitate creativity: Provide materials to make presentations visually engaging and attractive.
Promote impartiality: If conflicts arise, introduce the option of a “black dot” to indicate fundamental disagreement.
Limit time: Allocate defined time periods for analysis, presentations, and voting to maintain activity pacing.
Visualize results: Use graphs or diagrams to clearly display proposals with the most points and their prioritization.
Document the activity: Take photos or notes of presentations and outcomes for future reference.
Include multiple perspectives: Ensure analyses encompass different stakeholders, networks, and actions.
Encourage convergence: When possible, combine top-voted proposals into a central, cohesive idea.
Maintain diverse lines: Recognize the value of pursuing multiple lines of action if no complete consensus is achieved.
Connect to the ultimate goal: Link selected proposals clearly to the overall purpose of the group or project.

Inspiration

Examples and resources

Visualize the Vote template, Mural

Ideas for Effective Prioritization

Key questions to reflect on each proposal:
- What impact does this proposal have on the identified problem?
- How feasible is its implementation with current resources?
- How urgent is addressing this proposal?
Alternative weighting methods:
- Use rating scales (e.g., from 1 to 5) instead of absolute points.
- Introduce discussions prior to voting to align perspectives.
Additional categories to evaluate proposals:
- Innovation.
- Sustainability.
- Inclusion of key stakeholders.
Exercises to promote consensus:
- Open debate among groups regarding the highest-ranked proposals.
- Collective mapping of how proposals relate to each other.

Materials

Flipcharts or large posters.
Markers, scissors, colored paper, and other creative materials.
Tokens, stickers, or cards for assigning points.

Online platforms

Purpose

The purpose of Dot Voting is to facilitate the prioritization of proposals or lines of action in collective processes. The activity helps identify the most relevant options based on their impact, urgency, or feasibility, while promoting equitable participation and group consensus.