Users Experience Fishbowl

When to use Users Experience Fishbowl

Use this method when you need to quickly disseminate practical knowledge, foster understanding of new practices, or address concerns about a new initiative within a larger group.

What it solves

Lack of shared understanding between experienced users and those new to a process or technology; difficulty scaling knowledge from a small group to a larger audience.

How to run Users Experience Fishbowl, step by step

1. Explain the fishbowl setup and process to the entire group. 2 min.
2. The inner circle (3-7 people with experience) engages in a conversation about their experiences, focusing on concrete examples. 10-25 min.
3. The outer circle (smaller groups of 3-4) observes the conversation and formulates questions. 4 min.
4. The outer circle submits questions, and the inner circle answers them, fostering a back-and-forth dialogue. 10-25 min.
5. Debrief using What? So What? Now What? to reflect on the experience and identify next steps. 10-15 min.

Materials needed

• Chairs arranged in two concentric circles
• Microphones (if needed for large groups)
• Optional: Low stage or bar stools for inner circle visibility

Facilitator tips

• Carefully select inner circle participants with diverse and relevant experiences.
• Encourage concrete storytelling and discourage abstract opinions.
• Enforce the rule that the inner circle should talk to each other, not present to the outer circle.
• Collect all questions from the outer circle before the inner circle begins answering.

Common pitfalls

• Inner circle members dominating the conversation or presenting instead of engaging in dialogue. - Remind them of the 'no speeches' rule and encourage them to interact with each other.
• Outer circle members asking irrelevant or unfocused questions. - Guide them to formulate questions that address the core challenges and opportunities.

Variations

• Leave an open chair in the inner circle for spontaneous participation.
• Use the chat function in virtual settings for outer circle questions.
• Combine with other Liberating Structures like Improv Prototyping or 25/10 Crowd Sourcing.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for outer circle discussions and the chat function for questions. Ensure clear audio for the inner circle.

What it produces

Shared understanding, answered questions, identified challenges and solutions, and increased buy-in for new practices.

Origin

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, inspired by various fishbowl implementations. — source

Build a session around Users Experience Fishbowl

METODIC places Users Experience Fishbowl inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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