Preparation
01 · Define the purpose
- Make participatory decisions quickly and transparently.
- Identify areas of uncertainty or disagreement regarding a proposal.
- Encourage dialogue based on expressed confidence levels.
02 · Prepare the materials
- Whiteboard or flipchart to write down proposals.
- Markers and sticky notes (optional).
- Visual scale from 1 to 5 (drawn or printed).
03 · Set up the space
- Ensure the space is visible to all participants.
- Create a zone where participants can move freely or raise their hands.
04 · To carry out the dynamic virtually
- Use collaborative platforms that allow quick visual voting or reactions (for example, sliders or numbered emojis).
Step-by-step instructions
1
Introducing the dynamic
- Explain that each participant will express their level of confidence in an idea or proposal using a scale from 1 to 5.
- The scale represents: 1 = no confidence; 5 = total confidence.
2
Reading the proposal
- Present an idea, decision, or plan to the group.
- Ensure everyone understands what is being evaluated.
3
Voting
- Each participant indicates their level of confidence by raising fingers (1 to 5), standing in the room’s scale, or writing their vote.
- It can be done silently to avoid group pressure.
4
Reflection and conversation
- Invite those who voted 1 or 2 to share why they have low confidence (if they feel comfortable).
- Also invite those who voted 5 to share what convinced them.
5
Iteration or adjustment
- If there is wide dispersion, allow the proposal to be modified and repeat the vote.
Materials
Whiteboard or flip chart
Markers and sticky notes
Visual scale from 1 to 5 (drawn, printed, or outlined)
Numbered cards or elements to represent votes
Optional: colored items to indicate levels of confidence
Practical recommendations
Do not force people to justify their vote if they are not comfortable.
Avoid group pressure that may affect the sincerity of responses.
Repeat the vote if key elements of the proposal change.
Emphasize that all votes are valid, even low ones, as they help improve the proposal.
Inspiration
Examples
Digital Confidence Voting, Questiory
Variations for applying the Confidence Vote
- With a graphic scale: Participants place their vote on a horizontal line from 1 to 5 using post-its.
- With ropes or tape on the floor: They move along a scale marked on the ground.
- With numbered cards: Each person holds up a card with their vote.
- With colored bars: They associate colors with confidence levels (red = low, green = high) and vote visually.
- With emojis or digital reactions: Ideal for virtual or hybrid spaces.
Recommended uses in different contexts
- Participatory planning: Measure commitment to specific goals or actions.
- Organizational management: Detect areas of risk or internal resistance.
- Educational processes: Explore perceptions of confidence in relation to a learning proposal.
- Participatory research: Evaluate hypotheses or approaches proposed by the group.
- Service design: Understand which ideas generate more security or uncertainty in the group.
