Fishbowl

Consider in advance which perspectives should be represented.

A diverse group of participants is particularly valuable, as it brings together different experiences and lived realities.

Depending on the topic, participants may include:

• subject-matter experts
• representatives of the public administration
• policymakers
• community initiatives
• directly affected residents

Develop a clear and open question that encourages different perspectives.

The question should be easy to understand and invite discussion rather than allowing only a "yes" or "no" response.

Examples:

• "How should public space in our neighbourhood evolve?"
• "What are the key mobility needs in our community?"
• "How can youth participation be improved?"

The facilitation team should guide the discussion, balance speaking time, and ensure respectful communication throughout the session.

Prepare:

• opening questions
• possible follow-up questions
• prompts to deepen the discussion if needed

Arrange two circles of chairs:

• a smaller inner circle
• a larger outer circle surrounding it

Each circle should typically accommodate around 6–10 participants.

Leave at least one empty chair in the inner circle so participants can join the discussion at any time.

Ensure that everyone can see and hear one another easily.

The atmosphere should feel open, welcoming, and as informal as possible.

Welcome the participants and briefly explain how the Fishbowl discussion works.

Explain the following rules:

• only participants seated in the inner circle may speak
• participants from the outer circle may join the discussion at any time
• once someone has finished speaking, they return to the outer circle to make space for others

Also introduce the discussion guidelines, for example:

• communicate respectfully
• allow others to finish speaking
• keep contributions concise

At the beginning, several participants take seats in the inner circle and start discussing the guiding question.

The remaining participants sit in the outer circle and listen.

The facilitation team opens the discussion with an introductory question or a short stimulus.

Possible opening questions include:

• "What concerns you most about this topic at the moment?"
• "What changes would you like to see in this place?"

The discussion can also begin with a short stimulus, such as:

• a photograph or map
• a short story or everyday scenario
• a quotation from previous interviews or participation activities

Participants in the outer circle may join the discussion at any time.

If an empty chair is available, they simply take a seat.

If all seats are occupied, they stand behind a participant in the inner circle. Once that participant has finished speaking, they leave the circle and the waiting participant takes their place.

This process keeps the discussion open, flexible, and dynamic.

Throughout the discussion, the facilitation team ensures that:

• a variety of participants contribute
• no individual dominates the conversation
• the discussion remains focused
• quieter participants are encouraged to take part

If necessary, facilitators may ask follow-up questions or summarise discussion points.

Towards the end of the session, the facilitation team summarises the key ideas, conflicts, and observations.

Participants are then invited to reflect:

• What was particularly important?
• Which perspectives are still missing?
• Which topics should be explored further?

The key points are documented.

Immediately after the session, record:

• key statements
• points of conflict
• questions
• ideas

Pay particular attention to:

• recurring themes
• differing perspectives
• possible solutions
• unresolved questions

The documentation should be clear and well structured so that people who did not attend can easily understand the discussion.

Organise the contributions into thematic categories.

Grouping similar statements often helps to identify patterns.

This makes it easier to see:

• which topics were most important
• where conflicts exist
• where participants already share common ground

Inform participants about what happens next with their contributions.

For example, provide:

• a summary of the discussion
• information about the next steps in the process

This increases transparency and demonstrates that participants' contributions are valued.

Together with the project team or commissioning organisation, consider:

• Which topics should be explored further?
• Which ideas could be implemented in the short term?
• Which issues require additional participation or more detailed discussion?

A Fishbowl discussion is often used as an initial dialogue or to gather opinions before moving on to more in-depth participatory methods.

After the event, evaluate the process by considering:

• Did a diverse range of participants contribute?
• Was the guiding question clear and understandable?
• Did any individuals dominate the discussion?
• Was the group size appropriate?
• Did the facilitation work effectively?

These reflections can help improve future Fishbowl discussions.

Source: https://mobilitaetsplanung-hessen.de/methodenkoffer-partizipative-planung/