Participatory Methods

Representación abstracta de la metodología participativa El atardecer.

The Sunset

The Sunset is a participatory activity that demonstrates how the way we ask questions influences the quality of the answers. Through drawing two versions of a sunset, participants experience the difference between a generic response and a personal, meaningful one. This activity is ideal for fostering creativity, emotional memory, and reflection on the importance of how we pose questions in learning, facilitation, and problem-solving.

Preparation

  1. Materials:
    • Blank sheets of paper (one per participant).
    • Black markers or pens (avoid pencils to prevent erasing).
    • A clock or timer to keep time.
    • Optional: A space to display the drawings at the end.
  2. Set up the space:
    • Arrange tables and chairs so everyone can draw comfortably.
    • Ensure there is enough light and space to view the drawings.
  3. Initial instructions:
    • Briefly explain the activity and its purpose without giving too much detail.
    • Make sure everyone has the necessary materials before starting.

To run the activity virtually:

You can use collaborative platforms with drawing tools, virtual whiteboards, or spaces where participants can share images and describe their memories in writing.

Step-by-step instructions

Phase 1: Draw a generic sunset

  1. Distribute materials: Each participant receives a sheet and a marker.
  2. Quick prompt: Ask them to draw a sunset in 30 seconds with no further instructions.
  3. Visual survey: When time is up, ask how many included:
    • A horizon line
    • Trees or palm trees
    • Water
    • Birds (the classic “M” shapes in the sky)
    • Sun rays
  4. Comparison: Point out how most drawings are similar and not very detailed.

Phase 2: Draw a personal sunset

  1. Reframe the question: Now ask them to draw a sunset they vividly remember.
  2. Memory guidance: Encourage them to think about:
    • Where they were
    • What was around them
    • How they felt
    • Who was with them
  3. Extended time: Give them 3 minutes for this second drawing.

Phase 3: Compare and reflect

  1. Observation: Invite participants to compare both drawings and notice the differences.
  2. Sharing experiences: If the group is comfortable, some can share their second drawing and the story behind it.
  3. Guided reflection: Ask questions such as:
    • What changed between the first and second drawing?
    • How did the way the question was asked influence the response?
    • How can we apply this principle in communication, learning, or teamwork?
Recommendations
  • Encourage spontaneity: Remind participants that the goal isn’t to create a perfect drawing, but to capture personal memories.
  • Avoid visual influences: Don’t show examples of sunsets beforehand to allow memories to emerge naturally.
  • Time limit: Keep the initial phase short (30 seconds) to prompt quick responses and avoid perfectionism.
  • Reflection moment: After the second drawing, allow a brief moment for participants to compare both and share their experiences.
  • Support virtual participation: If done online, participants can use digital drawing tools or describe their memories in text.
Inspiration

Drawing alternatives

  • A tree → A tree you remember (Where was it? What was its shape and size? Did it have fruits or flowers?)
  • A street → A street from your childhood (What buildings were there? What was its color or texture? Were there trees, benches, or streetlights?)
  • A park → A park where you experienced an important moment (What was its layout? Were there playgrounds, a fountain, or a lake?)
  • An object → An object that represents a happy memory (What was its shape, texture, and color? Where did you find it?)
  • A room → Your childhood bedroom (What colors did it have? Where were the furniture pieces? Were there toys, posters, or special decorations?)
  • A landscape → A landscape that made you feel at peace (Where was it? What was the sky, water, mountains, or surroundings like?)
  • A house → The house you grew up in (What was its structure like? What made it unique? Did it have a garden, balcony, or large windows?)
  • A bridge → A bridge you crossed that left a mark on you (What was its structure like? Was it made of stone, metal, or wood? What was underneath it?)
  • A mountain → A mountain you’ve visited (What was its shape like? Was there snow or vegetation? What did the horizon look like from the top?)
Materials
  • Blank sheets of paper (one per participant)
  • Black markers or pens (avoid pencils to prevent corrections)
  • A clock or timer to keep track of time
  • Optional: A space to display the drawings at the end
Online platforms
Purpose
The objective of this activity is to demonstrate how the way we formulate questions influences the quality of the responses. By comparing a generic drawing with a personal one, participants experience how detail and emotion emerge when they are invited to go deeper. This can be applied in facilitation, leadership, education, and any context where communication is key.
Type of activity
Collective ReflectionParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Learning
Level of participation
Collaborative assessment, Knowledge generation, Exchange of perspectives
Target audience
Students, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams
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, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
10-15 minutes
Ideal number of participants
From 4 to 20 participants
Topics related to this activity
Active ReflectionCollaborative DrawingCollaborative GameCollective LearningCreative ExerciseCreative ReflectionCritical ThinkingExperiential LearningIcebreaker ActivityInclusive ParticipationTeam CreativityVisual CommunicationVisual CreationVisual ExpressionVisual MethodologyVisual Narrative
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