I recently facilitated a participatory sensemaking workshop, teaching other evaluators how better to implement these approaches in their day to day. It inspired me to share some ideas with you in case you are also looking for creative ways to look at your data through a new lens. As always, please share your thoughts!

Storytelling

Encourage participants to share personal stories and experiences related to the topic being analyzed. This can help to uncover insights and perspectives that might not be evident through traditional data collection methods.

Visual mapping

Use visual aids such as mind maps, concept maps, and flowcharts to help participants visualize and make sense of complex information.

Collaborative problem-solving

Bring participants together to solve a problem related to the topic being analyzed. This can help to build consensus and develop creative solutions.

Role-playing

Use role-playing to help participants explore different perspectives and understand the perspectives of others. This can be particularly useful when dealing with complex and sensitive issues.

Gamification

Use games and interactive activities to engage participants and encourage them to think creatively about the topic being analyzed. This can help make the participatory analysis and sensemaking process more enjoyable and productive.

Digital tools

Use digital tools such as online forums, social media, and data visualization software to facilitate participatory analysis and sensemaking. This can help connect geographically dispersed participants and streamline the analysis process.

Artistic expression

Encourage participants to express themselves through creative mediums such as drawing, painting, and music. This can help to uncover deeper insights and emotions related to the topic being analyzed.