Dot Voting

What participants gain

• Prioritize ideas using a collective voting process.
• Build consensus around the most promising concepts.
• Develop skills in participatory decision-making.
• Express preferences and opinions in a constructive manner.
• Gain a shared understanding of collective priorities.

Materials needed

• Colored dot stickers (one color per participant)
• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• List of ideas to be voted on

How to run Dot Voting, step by step

1. Introduce the activity and its purpose (3 min).
2. Explain the voting rules: each participant gets a limited number of dots (e.g., 3-5) to vote for their favorite ideas.
3. Participants place their dots next to the ideas they support (7 min).
4. Count the dots for each idea and identify the top choices (3 min).
5. Facilitate a brief discussion to clarify the implications of the voting results (2 min).
6. Share next steps (2 min).
7. Thank participants (1 min).
8. Clean up materials (1 min).

Facilitator tips

• Clearly explain the voting rules and criteria.
• Encourage participants to vote strategically.
• Allow for a brief discussion after the voting to clarify any questions or concerns.
• Remind participants that the goal is to identify the most promising ideas, not to eliminate all others.
• Celebrate the collective decision-making process.

Common challenges

• Participants are hesitant to vote against popular ideas - Encourage them to vote for what they truly believe in.
• The voting process becomes too competitive - Emphasize the value of collaboration and shared decision-making.
• The results are unclear - Facilitate a discussion to clarify the implications of the voting results.
• Participants feel that their voices are not heard - Provide opportunities for further discussion and feedback.

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard (e.g., Miro or Mural) with virtual dots. Participants can drag and drop their dots onto their favorite ideas.

Expected results

A prioritized list of ideas based on collective preference. Participants will experience the power of participatory decision-making and develop a shared understanding of the most promising concepts.

Build a session around Dot Voting

METODIC drops Dot Voting into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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