Dot voting can be used to prioritize ideas or simply see where people are leaning. Participants place sticky dots next to their preferred options, making it easy to see which choices have the most support.
Step by step:
1. Prepare the options: List all the ideas, options, or suggestions on flipchart sheet, a whiteboard, or butcher-block paper taped to the wall. Make sure each option is clearly written and visible to all participants.
2. Distribute dots: Provide each participant with a set number of dots to use as their votes. Sticker dots work best, but if they're not available, give each person a marker. (The number of dots per person can depend on the number of options or desired level of prioritization. One rule of thumb is to give each person 1 dot for every 4-5 options. For example, if there are 10 options, each person gets 2 or 3 dots to place on the options they prefer.)
3. Place the dots: Participants place their dots next to the options they support. They can distribute their dots as they like: all on one option or spread across multiple choices.
4. Take stock of the results: Once everyone has placed all there dots, see what has emerged. The options with the most dots represent the group’s top preferences, but the next step is important!
5. Discuss: Review with the group to uncover patterns, agreements, or surprises. Use this information to inform decisions and next steps.
Video: How many dots? (3:43 min.)
Video: Make dot voting better (3:06 min.)
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• Use polls or virtual stickers for voting. |
Here are tips for using this tool in an online meeting: