Sensemaking

Analogue

• Pinboard or large wall space
• Moderation cards or sticky notes
• Markers
• Printed interviews, protocols, or participation results

Digital

• Online whiteboard tools (e.g. Miro, Mural)
• Spreadsheets or shared documents
• Digital sticky notes

Collect all relevant information in one place.

This may include:

• interview notes
• workshop documentation
• transcripts
• survey results
• photographs
• maps
• observation notes

The better the material is organised beforehand, the easier the collaborative analysis becomes.

Decide which question the analysis should answer.

Examples include:

• Which topics matter most to participants?
• What are the biggest challenges?
• Which needs are mentioned most frequently?
• Which measures receive the strongest support?

Work with several people whenever possible. Different perspectives help reduce blind spots and make the results more reliable and transparent.

All participants first familiarise themselves with the available material. Important statements, observations, or notable findings are highlighted or noted.

Helpful questions include:

• What stands out?
• What keeps recurring?
• What is surprising?

Write individual observations on cards or digital sticky notes.

Each card should contain only one observation or idea.

Examples:

• "Many people feel unsafe at night."
• "The route to school is frequently described as dangerous."
• "There are too few places where young people can gather."

Sort and group similar observations together.

Typical themes may include:

• safety
• quality of public spaces
• mobility
• communication
• accessibility

As similar observations are grouped, initial patterns and relationships begin to emerge.

The group discusses the identified patterns.

Helpful questions include:

• What do these findings tell us?
• What might be causing these issues?
• What relationships can we identify?
• Which perspectives might still be missing?

This is where the shared understanding is developed.

Based on the discussion, formulate conclusions and possible actions.

Examples include:

• Which topics require further investigation?
• Which measures appear most promising?
• Which target groups should be involved more actively?
• Which questions remain unanswered?

If many findings emerge, prioritise the most important ones.

Helpful questions include:

• What is most important?
• Where is action most urgently needed?
• Which findings are most relevant for the project?

Record:

• thematic clusters
• key findings
• conclusions
• priorities
• recommended next steps

Photographs of pinboards or copies of digital boards should also be saved.

Whenever possible, present the findings to participants again.

This allows them to confirm whether the interpretation reflects their experiences accurately and whether important aspects have been captured correctly.

Use the findings to define concrete follow-up actions.

Examples include:

• organising additional participation activities
• developing measures or action plans
• exploring specific topics in greater depth
• supporting political or administrative decision-making

Source: Kerr, J., Cheers, J., Gallegos, D., Blackler, A. & Kelly, N. (2023): The Art of Co-Design: A Guide Through Creative Collaboration. BIS Publishers.