18F

18F - Dot Voting

Dot voting is a fast way to make decisions democratically. It cuts through endless debate. People vote with dots to show what matters most. This reveals collective priorities without full agreement. You get a data-driven view of group values.

Duration
30 mins
Group Size
5-20
Category
18F
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Quickly surface individual priorities.

  • Identify collective patterns.

  • Build buy-in through democratic participation.

  • Move to concrete decisions.

You'll get:

  • Dot voting results showing priorities.

  • Quick group prioritization.

  • Clear preferences.

Before you start, ensure options are comparable. Frame options at the same level of specificity. Tell people this isn't the final decision, but data to inform it. Enforce silence during voting. Watch for people trying to see how others voted. If you get a tie, discuss what would break it. Look beyond the top vote-getter; the pattern is key. People will want to debate before voting; don't let them. I've seen people try to game the system. Call it out. For sensitive decisions, consider anonymous voting. After voting, discuss why people voted the way they did. The votes are data, not the final answer. Sometimes, despite my best efforts, people get overly attached to their ideas. Remind them it's about collective wisdom.

  1. Setup (5 minutes):


  • Review the decision context. What are you prioritizing and why?

  • Ensure everyone understands the criteria.

  • Post options clearly on a wall.

  • If you have over 20 options, group similar items first.


  1. Generate Options (Optional, 5 minutes):


  • If options aren't defined, give everyone sticky notes.

  • Each person writes top ideas (one per note).

  • Post notes and remove duplicates. Group similar items. Don't debate yet.


  1. Distribute Dots (2 minutes):


  • Give each person 3-5 dots (about 25% of the number of options).

  • Clarify if stacking dots is allowed.


  1. Vote Silently (5 minutes):


  • Everyone places dots on priorities silently.

  • No talking to prevent groupthink.


  1. Discuss Results (15 minutes):


  • Look at the overall pattern together.

  • Which items got the most votes? Any surprises?

  • Discuss the "why" behind the votes. Don't just pick the top vote-getter.

Unlock Step-by-Step Instructions

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.


  • Colored dot stickers (3-5 per person)

  • Sticky notes (if generating options)

  • Thick markers

  • Large wall space or poster boards

  • Pre-printed options (if applicable)

  • Timer

Unlock Materials Required

Create a free account to access step-by-step instructions, agendas, and resources for all activities.

Discussion

0/2000
Loading comments...

Related Exercises

See all exercises

18F - Design Pattern Library

8 hours

A Design Pattern Library is a collection of reusable UI components. It's the foundation of a design system. This exercise helps teams identify pattern...

18f

18F - Content Audit

4 hours

A Content Audit is a thorough inventory and analysis of all content users encounter on a website or within a product. This exercise catalogs pages, do...

18f

18F - Heuristic Evaluation

2 hours

Heuristic Evaluation finds usability issues fast. Experts review an interface against usability principles. Teams use Nielsen's heuristics or custom c...

18f